SUPERDRAWING OF ULTRAHIGH MOLECULAR-WEIGHT POLYETHYLENE .1. EFFECT OF TECHNIQUES ON DRAWING OF SINGLE-CRYSTAL MATS

Single crystal mats of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) have been uniaxially drawn by three techniques: solid-state coextrusion, tensile drawing, and the combination of the two. The drawability and the resultant structure and properties of superdrawn films were found to be sensitive to drawing technique. Tensile drawing was markedly influenced by the coherency of the mats and the draw temperature and rate. Draw ratios (DR) over 200 at greater than equivalent to 90 degree C under controlled rates have been achieved for coherent mats. Effective draw was not possible for less coherent mats and for all drawn at less than equivalent to 60 degree C.