Ultradrawing properties of ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene/attapulgite fibers

An investigation of the influence of the contents of original and modified attapulgite (ATP) on the ultradrawing properties of ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)/ATP (FA x ) and UHMWPE/modified ATP (FA m x ) as‐prepared fibers is reported. Similar to what is found for the orientation factor values, the achievable draw ratios ( D ra ) of the FA x and FA m x as‐prepared fibers approach a maximum value as the original ATP and/or modified ATP contents reach their corresponding optimum values. The maximum D ra value obtained for FA m x as‐prepared fiber specimens is significantly higher than that for FA x as‐prepared fiber specimens prepared at the optimum original ATP content. Similar to what is found for the orientation factors and achievable drawing properties, the tensile strength (σ f ) and initial modulus ( E ) of both drawn F 2 A x and F 2 A m x fiber series specimens with a fixed draw ratio reach maximum values as the original and/or modified ATP contents approach the optimum values, respectively. The σ f and E values of the F 2 A m x fiber specimens are always significantly higher than those of the corresponding F 2 A x fiber specimens prepared at the same draw ratios and ATP contents but without being modified. To understand the interesting ultradrawing, orientation and tensile properties of FA x and FA m x fiber specimens, Fourier transform infrared spectral, specific surface area, transmission electron microscopic and elemental analyses of the original and modified ATPs were performed. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry