Preparation of Precursors for the Production of High-Strength Film Filaments from Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene by Solid-Phase Forming

Abstract

The morphology of reactor powders (RP) of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, as well as their ability to compactify and monolithize, was studied using scanning electron microscopy. From the microscopy data, the optimal structure of the RP and the optimal conditions (temperature, pressure, time) of compaction and monolithization of the RP for obtaining precursors (monolithic films) for their further orientational stretching were determined. The behavior of the compression curve of the RP is explained by the decrease in the free volume between the powder particles, the accumulation of highly elastic and plastic deformation of the polymer.