Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)
History
Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) was first polymerized in the 1950’s. The first UHMWPE fibers were commercialized in the late 1970’s.
Composition
UHMWPE is a type of polyolefin that is composed of very long chains of polyethylene with a very high percentage of parallel orientation and high level of crystallinity. The extremely long polymer chains enable load transfer by strengthening intermolecular interactions. UHMWPE fibers are manufactured in a gel spinning process.
Manufacturers
DSM™
Honeywell™
Other suppliers
Common Types & Deniers
Spectra: S900, S1000
Dyneema: SK62, SK65, SK75
Deniers: 50-5400
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