Current research status of high-performance UHMWPE fiber: A review

  • Lei Li SINOPEC Nanjing Research Institute of Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210048, China
  • Fanmin Kong SINOPEC Nanjing Research Institute of Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210048, China
  • Ang Xiao SINOPEC Nanjing Research Institute of Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210048, China
  • Hao Su SINOPEC Nanjing Research Institute of Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210048, China
  • Xiaolian Wu SINOPEC Nanjing Research Institute of Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210048, China
  • Ziling Zhang SINOPEC Nanjing Research Institute of Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210048, China
  • Yutian Duan SINOPEC Nanjing Research Institute of Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210048, China
Ariticle ID: 1518
102 Views, 34 PDF Downloads
Keywords: UHMWPE fiber; high strength; high modulus; gel-spinning; dry method; wet method

Abstract

In the relentless evolution of technological innovation, the incorporation of engineered materials across numerous sectors is becoming increasingly widespread. Among them, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber, as a novel type of engineered material, has emerged as a critical hot topic in industries such as aerospace, national defense, and new energy due to its exceptional physical and chemical properties. This article attempts to introduce the characteristics of UHMWPE fibers, including their advantages and areas for enhancement, to provide researchers with a comprehensive overview and research trajectory of UHMWPE. Moreover, this article succinctly elucidates the preparation methodologies and advances of UHMWPE fibers, encompassing mainstream dry and wet spinning methods, revealing their research trajectories, pivotal positions, and practical significance in the realm of engineered materials. In summary, this review briefly discusses the research overview and recent advances in UHMWPE fibers, which contribute to accelerating comprehensive and sustainable progress in this field.

References

[1] Baye B, Tesfaye T. The new generation fibers: a review of high performance and specialty fibers. Polymer Bulletin. 2022, 79(11): 9221-9235. doi: 10.1007/s00289-021-03966-6

[2] Shelly D, Lee S-Y, Park S-J. Compatibilization of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers and their composites for superior mechanical performance: A concise review. Composites Part B: Engineering. 2024, 275: 111294. doi: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2024.111294

[3] Liu Z, Yin X, Zhang H, et al. Efficient self-reinforcement technology and mechanism for ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene based on powder solid-state extension. Polymer. 2024, 290: 126498. doi: 10.1016/j.polymer.2023.126498

[4] Siskey R, Smelt H, Boon-Ceelen K, et al. 22 - UHMWPE Homocomposites and Fibers. In UHMWPE Biomaterials Handbook (Third Edition), Kurtz, S. M., Ed. William Andrew Publishing: Oxford, 2016; pp 398-411.

[5] Sobieraj MC, Rimnac CM. Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene: Mechanics, morphology, and clinical behavior. Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials. 2009, 2(5): 433-443. doi: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2008.12.006

[6] Houben SJA, Verpaalen RCP, Engels TAP. Processing and Properties of Melt Processable UHMW-PE Based Fibers Using Low Molecular Weight Linear Polyethylene’s. 2020, 305(10): 2000360. doi: 10.1002/mame.202000360

[7] Wang J, Hu X, Liu F, et al. Gel-spinning of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene by a twin-screw extruder with an ultra-large length-to-diameter ratio. 2022, 62(11): 3773-3785. doi: 10.1002/pen.26143

[8] Li C, Wang G, Jia J, et al. The mechanical properties of UHMWPE fiber-knitted composites. Journal of Engineered Fibers and Fabrics. 2018, 13(2): 7-14. doi: 10.1177/155892501801300202

[9] Zhu Y, Song Y, Wu W, et al. Ballistic performance and energy transfer of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene laminate. Materials Letters. 2024, 367: 136540. doi: 10.1016/j.matlet.2024.136540

[10] Zhang R, Song X-T, Qiang L-S, et al. Ballistic performance of UHMWPE fiber laminates with pre-formed holes. Thin-Walled Structures. 2024, 201: 112011. doi: 10.1016/j.tws.2024.112011

[11] Hussain M, Naqvi RA, Abbas N, et al. Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight-Polyethylene (UHMWPE) as a Promising Polymer Material for Biomedical Applications: A Concise Review. 2020, 12(2): 323. doi: 10.3390/polym12020323

[12] Pan L, Wang Y, Wang C, et al. UHMWPE fibers reinforced gradient structure to break the thermal-dielectric-mechanical trade-off in high filled polyethylene. Composites Science and Technology. 2024, 246: 110375. doi: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2023.110375

[13] Ren L, Guo H, Kang L, et al. Lightweight, electrical insulating, and high thermally conductive all-polymer composites with reinforced interfaces. Composites Science and Technology. 2023, 240: 110080. doi: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2023.110080

[14] Ruan F, Bao L. Mechanical enhancement of UHMWPE fibers by coating with carbon nanoparticles. Fibers and Polymers. 2014, 15(4): 723-728. doi: 10.1007/s12221-014-0723-9

[15] Yu Q, Gao J, Wang Z, et al. Excellent interfacial bonding in UHMWPE fiber/ epoxy resin composites fabricated via a swelling approach. Journal of Polymer Research. 2023, 30(7): 275. doi: 10.1007/s10965-023-03597-7

[16] Pilato LA, Michno MJ. High Performance Fibers. In Advanced Composite Materials, Springer Berlin Heidelberg: Berlin, Heidelberg, 1994; pp 75-96.

[17] Wang Z, Sangroniz L, Xu J, et al. Polymer Physics behind the Gel-Spinning of UHMWPE Fibers. 2024, 45(15): 2400124. doi: 10.1002/marc.202400124

[18] Forster AL, Forster AM, Chin JW, et al. Long-term stability of UHMWPE fibers. Polymer Degradation and Stability. 2015, 114: 45-51. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2015.01.028

[19] Li C, Shan J, Cui Y, et al. Anti-ultraviolet Properties of Weft-Knitted Textile Composite Materials Based on Modified Aramid and UHMWPE Fabrics. Fibers and Polymers. 2024, 25(2): 631-649. doi: 10.1007/s12221-023-00396-1

[20] Sun H, Kong H, Ding H, et al. Improving UV Resistance of Aramid Fibers by Simultaneously Synthesizing TiO2 on Their Surfaces and in the Interfaces Between Fibrils/Microfibrils Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide. 2020, 12(1): 147. doi: 10.3390/polym12010147

[21] Li M, Cheng K, Wang C, et al. Functionalize Aramid Fibers with Polydopamine to Possess UV Resistance. Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials. 2021, 31(7): 2791-2805. doi: 10.1007/s10904-021-01910-9

[22] Li H, Zong S, Xiong X. The influence of penetration angle on anti-penetration performance and reverse penetration ricochet phenomenon of UHMWPE laminates. International Journal of Impact Engineering. 2023, 182: 104780. doi: 10.1016/j.ijimpeng.2023.104780

[23] Wang H, Weerasinghe D, Hazell PJ, et al. Ballistic impact response of flexible and rigid UHMWPE textile composites: Experiments and simulations. Defence Technology. 2023, 22: 37-53. doi: 10.1016/j.dt.2022.08.009

[24] Cui W, Yang S, Zhang X, et al. High Wear Resistance of Ultralow-Wear Polyethylene with Different Molecular Weights Under Different Contact Pressure. Tribology Letters. 2022, 70(2): 51. doi: 10.1007/s11249-022-01595-2

[25] Mohammed AS, Fareed MI. Improving the friction and wear of poly-ether-etherketone (PEEK) by using thin nano-composite coatings. Wear. 2016, 364-365: 154-162. doi: 10.1016/j.wear.2016.07.012

[26] Minn M, Sinha SK. DLC and UHMWPE as hard/soft composite film on Si for improved tribological performance. Surface and Coatings Technology. 2008, 202(15): 3698-3708. doi: 10.1016/j.surfcoat.2008.01.012

[27] Panin SV, Kornienko LA, Alexenko VO, et al. Increasing Wear Resistance of UHMWPE by Loading Enforcing Carbon Fibers: Effect of Irreversible and Elastic Deformation, Friction Heating, and Filler Size. 2020, 13(2): 338. doi: 10.3390/ma13020338

[28] Liu H, Ji H, Wang X. Tribological properties of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene at ultra-low temperature. Cryogenics. 2013, 58: 1-4. doi: 10.1016/j.cryogenics.2013.05.001

[29] Han L, Cai H, Chen X, et al. Study of UHMWPE Fiber Surface Modification and the Properties of UHMWPE/Epoxy Composite. 2020, 12(3): 521. doi: 10.3390/polym12030521

[30] Yu J, Chen S, Huang H, et al. A universal strategy for rapid and scalable surface modification of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fiber. Composite Structures. 2024, 334: 117935. doi: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2024.117935

[31] Joshi A, Mishra A, Saxena VK. Impact response and energy absorption mechanisms of UHMWPE fabric and composites in ballistic applications: A comprehensive review. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing. 2024, 185: 108314. doi: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2024.108314

[32] Fallahi H, Kaynan O, Asadi A. Insights into the effect of fiber–matrix interphase physiochemical- mechanical properties on delamination resistance and fracture toughness of hybrid composites. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing. 2023, 166: 107390. doi: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2022.107390

[33] Huang S, Fu Q, Yan L, et al. Characterization of interfacial properties between fibre and polymer matrix in composite materials – A critical review. Journal of Materials Research and Technology. 2021, 13: 1441-1484. doi: 10.1016/j.jmrt.2021.05.076

[34] Fang C, Zhao Y, Chen Z, et al. Influence of oxygen/argon duoplasmatron synergistic modification on the mechanical properties of UHMWPE/vinyl ester composites. 2023, 44(10): 6811-6825. doi: 10.1002/pc.27599

[35] Zhao Y, Fang C, Jia L, et al. Influence of Oxygen/Argon/Nitrogen multi-component plasma modification on interlayer toughening of UHMWPE fiber reinforced composites. Composite Structures. 2024, 339: 118142. doi: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2024.118142

[36] Meng L, Li W, Ma R, et al. Long UHMWPE fibers reinforced rigid polyurethane composites: An investigation in mechanical properties. European Polymer Journal. 2018, 105: 55-60. doi: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2018.05.021

[37] Wang H, Xu L, Hu J, et al. Radiation-induced oxidation of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) powder by gamma rays and electron beams: A clear dependence of dose rate. Radiation Physics and Chemistry. 2015, 115: 88-96. doi: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2015.06.012

[38] Enomoto I, Katsumura Y, Kudo H, et al. Graft polymerization using radiation-induced peroxides and application to textile dyeing. Radiation Physics and Chemistry. 2011, 80(2): 169-174. doi: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2010.07.028

[39] Wu M, Jia L, Chen Z, et al. Synergetic enhancement of interfacial properties and impact resistant of UHMWPE fiber reinforced composites by oxygen plasma modification. Composite Structures. 2022, 292: 115663. doi: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2022.115663

[40] Yang X, Zhang Z, Xiang Y, et al., Superior Enhancement of the UHMWPE Fiber/Epoxy Interface through the Combination of Plasma Treatment and Polypyrrole In-Situ Grown Fibers. In Polymers, 2023; Vol. 15.

[41] Wang S, Ma J, Feng X, et al. An effective surface modification of UHMWPE fiber for improving the interfacial adhesion of epoxy resin composites. Polymer Composites. 2020, 41(4): 1614-1623. doi: 10.1002/pc.25483

[42] Wang K, Shen L, Lu R, et al. Remarkably improved interfacial adhesion of UHMWPE fibers reinforced composite by constructing a three-dimensional stacked nanoparticles structure at interphase. Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. 2022, 110: 552-563. doi: 10.1016/j.jiec.2022.03.031

[43] Liu H, Li W, Zhou Y, et al. Effects of Donut-Shaped ZnO Decorated UHMWPE Fibers on the Mechanical Properties of Rigid Polyurethane-Based Composites. ACS Applied Polymer Materials. 2022, 4(8): 5422-5430. doi: 10.1021/acsapm.2c00511

[44] Liu H, Yu X, Ji M, et al. High through-plane thermal conductivity and light-weight of UHMWPE fibers/PDMS composites by a large-scale preparation method. Polymer. 2021, 229: 123975. doi: 10.1016/j.polymer.2021.123975

[45] Yan Y. 2 - Developments in fibers for technical nonwovens. In Advances in Technical Nonwovens, Kellie, G., Ed. Woodhead Publishing: 2016; pp 19-96.

[46] Xu R, Zhou C, Sun X, et al. Fabricating UHMWPE-based shielding materials with excellent high-temperature mechanical properties and irradiation endurance properties via controlling crosslinked and crystalline structures. 2024, 35(1): e6204. doi: 10.1002/pat.6204

[47] Dong T, Niu F, Qiang Z, et al. Thermal aging behavior and heat resistance mechanism of ultraviolet crosslinked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber. Journal of Applied Polymer Science. 2024, 141(28): e55648. doi: 10.1002/app.55648

[48] Yu D, Liu S, Xin Y. Air Plasma-Nano ZnO Coating Improves the Impact Resistance of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Fiber. Composite Interfaces. 2023, 30(11): 1247-1267. doi: 10.1080/09276440.2023.2209370

[49] Wang H, Xu L, Li R, et al. Improving the creep resistance and tensile property of UHMWPE sheet by radiation cross-linking and annealing. Radiation Physics and Chemistry. 2016, 125: 41-49. doi: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2016.03.009

[50] Liu X, Zhang S, Xu X, et al. Study on the creep and recovery behaviors of UHMWPE/CNTs composite fiber. Fibers and Polymers. 2013, 14(10): 1635-1640. doi: 10.1007/s12221-013-1635-9

[51] Chhetri S, Bougherara H. A comprehensive review on surface modification of UHMWPE fiber and interfacial properties. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing. 2021, 140: 106146. doi: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2020.106146

[52] Yuan H, Long C, Yu J, et al. Synthesis of Granular Hydroxy-Functionalized Ultra-high-molecular-weight Polyethylene and Its Fiber Properties. Advanced Fiber Materials. 2022, 4(4): 786-794. doi: 10.1007/s42765-022-00136-9

[53] Li Zhiyao WX, YANG Chenguang, WANG Dong. Study on Preparation and Creep Resistance of UHMWPE Fiber with Crosslinked Structure on the Surface. 2023, 37(21): 22040008-22040006. doi: 10.11896/cldb.22040008

[54] Dong T, Niu F, Qiang Z, et al. Structure and properties evolution of UV crosslinked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber during processing. Journal of Polymer Science. 2024, 62(11): 2385-2398. doi: 10.1002/pol.20230919

[55] Wen X, Li Z, Yang C, et al. Electron beam irradiation assisted preparation of UHMWPE fiber with 3D cross-linked structure and outstanding creep resistance. Radiation Physics and Chemistry. 2022, 199: 110370. doi: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2022.110370

[56] Kuo CJ, Lan WL. 5 - Gel spinning of synthetic polymer fibres. In Advances in Filament Yarn Spinning of Textiles and Polymers, Zhang, D., Ed. Woodhead Publishing: 2014; pp 100-112.

[57] Da Silva Chagas NP, Lopes Da Silva Fraga G, Marques MdFV. Fibers of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Obtained by Gel Spinning with Polyalphaolefin Oil. Macromolecular Research. 2020, 28(12): 1082-1090. doi: 10.1007/s13233-020-8147-4

[58] Sun Y, Duan Y, Chen X, et al. Research on the molecular entanglement and disentanglement in the dry spinning process of UHMWPE/decalin solution. Journal of Applied Polymer Science. 2006, 102(1): 864-875. doi: 10.1002/app.23672

[59] Ding J, Chen G, Huang W, et al. Tensile Strength Statistics and Fracture Mechanism of Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene Fibers: On the Weibull Distribution. ACS Omega. 2024, 9(11): 12984-12991. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.3c09230

[60] Wang H, Yan X, Tang X, et al. Contribution of the Initially Entangled State and Particle Size to the Sintering Kinetics of UHMWPE. Macromolecules. 2022, 55(4): 1310-1320. doi: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c02058

[61] Tam T, Bhatnagar A. 1 - High-performance ballistic fibers and tapes. In Lightweight Ballistic Composites (Second Edition), Bhatnagar, A., Ed. Woodhead Publishing: 2016; pp 1-39.

[62] Van Der Werff H, Heisserer U. 3 - High-performance ballistic fibers: Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). In Advanced Fibrous Composite Materials for Ballistic Protection, Chen, X., Ed. Woodhead Publishing: 2016; pp 71-107.

[63] Wang Z, An M, Xu H, et al. Structural evolution from shish-kebab to fibrillar crystals during hot-stretching process of gel spinning ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers obtained from low concentration solution. Polymer. 2017, 120: 244-254. doi: 10.1016/j.polymer.2017.05.062

[64] Zhao GL. Progress in Manufacturing and Application of UHMWPE Fiber. Journal of Beijing Institute of Clothing Technology (Natural Science Edition). 2019, 39(2): 95-102. doi: 10.16454/j.cnki.issn.1001-0564.2019.02.014

[65] Wang X, Zheng H, Sun Y. Study on structures and properties of ultra-hot drawing UHMWPE fibers fabricated via dry spinning method. Journal of Polymer Engineering. 2018, 38(9): 863-870. doi: 10.1515/polyeng-2017-0400

[66] Brown KR, Love-Baker C, Xue Z, et al. Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene micro-ribbon fibers gel spun using orange terpenes. Polymer Engineering & Science. 2024, 64(4): 1743-1755. doi: 10.1002/pen.26656

[67] Li Y, Min L, Xin JH, et al. High-performance fibrous artificial muscle based on reversible shape memory UHMWPE. Journal of Materials Research and Technology. 2022, 20: 7-17. doi: 10.1016/j.jmrt.2022.07.045

[68] Fukushima Y, Murase H, Ohta Y. Dyneema®: Super Fiber Produced by the Gel Spinning of a Flexible Polymer. In High-Performance and Specialty Fibers: Concepts, Technology and Modern Applications of Man-Made Fibers for the Future, The Society of Fiber, S., Techno, J., Eds. Springer Japan: Tokyo, 2016; pp 109-132.

[69] On SY, Park S, Kim SS. Preparation and Characterization of Hybrid Structured MWCNT/UHMWPE Fiber Sensors for Strain Sensing and Load Bearing of Composite Structures. 2019, 4(12): 1900807. doi: 10.1002/admt.201900807

[70] Da Silva Chagas NP, De Fátima Vieira Marques M. Effect of polyalphaolefin oils as a solvent in gel-spinning of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers. 2021, 138(46): 51372. doi: 10.1002/app.51372

[71] Cao T, Ren L, Meng L, et al. Structural Evolution of UHMWPE Fibers during Poststretching with Distinct Initial Structures. Journal of Wuhan University of Technology-Mater. Sci. Ed. 2023, 38(2): 280-285. doi: 10.1007/s11595-023-2694-4

[72] Wang Y, Fu J, Yu J, et al. Dissolving of Ultra-high Molecular Weight Polyethylene Assisted Through Supercritical Carbon Dioxide to Enhance the Mechanical Properties of Fibers. Advanced Fiber Materials. 2022, 4(2): 280-292. doi: 10.1007/s42765-021-00107-6

[73] Wang Y, Fu J, Song Q, et al. Regulating the dissolving system of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene to enhance the high-strength and high-modulus properties of resultant fibers. 2022, 139(29): e52653. doi: 10.1002/app.52653

[74] Yu L, Bao J, Wang G, et al. Structure and properties of gel-spun ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers obtained from industrial production line. Journal of Applied Polymer Science. 2021, 138(44): 51317. doi: 10.1002/app.51317

[75] Yang C, Tao D, Wang F, et al. Ultrahigh-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Fibers with Excellent Creep Resistance Derived from an Online-Tailored Fish-Skeleton-like Molecular Structure. Macromolecules. 2024, 57(14): 6848-6859. doi: 10.1021/acs.macromol.4c00641

[76] Wang H, Liu R, Yu J, et al. Effect of Gel-spun Solution Concentration on the Structure and Properties of UHMWPE Monofilaments with Coarse Denier. Fibers and Polymers. 2022, 23(7): 1807-1816. doi: 10.1007/s12221-022-3227-z

[77] Yang X, Zhang Z, Lin Y, et al. Low-velocity impact responses of UHMWPE fiber/epoxy laminates with plasma treatment and polypyrrole grafting. Materials Letters. 2024, 362: 136199. doi: 10.1016/j.matlet.2024.136199

[78] Jiang J, Geng H, Xu K, et al. Catalytic cyanate resin with polysulfide cation catalyst and its ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber composites for radome. Polymer Composites. 2024, 45(12): 11241-11251. doi: 10.1002/pc.28562

[79] Xiang Y, Zhang Z, Jiang Y, et al. Effect of impact spacing on the dynamic response of UHMWPE fiber composites under two-point high velocity impacts. Thin-Walled Structures. 2024, 200: 111969. doi: 10.1016/j.tws.2024.111969

[80] Qiao Y, Ko S, Ramos JL, et al. Effects of processing temperature, pressure, and fiber volume fraction on mechanical and morphological behaviors of fully-recyclable uni-directional thermoplastic polymer-fiber-reinforced polymers. Composites Part C: Open Access. 2024, 14: 100497. doi: 10.1016/j.jcomc.2024.100497

[81] Liu R, Yan Z, Ruan C, et al. Surface modification of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers by an eco-friendly impregnation solution to enhance interfacial adhesion with rubber. Materials & Design. 2024, 238: 112707. doi: 10.1016/j.matdes.2024.112707

[82] Wang H, Shen Y, Wei J, et al. Dynamic strengthening of UHMWPE yarns by incorporating ZrO2/PU coatings. Composites Science and Technology. 2024, 255: 110730. doi: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2024.110730

[83] Liu H, Zhang H, Yu X, et al. Flexible, lightweight, high strength and high efficiently hierarchical Gd2O3/PE composites based on the UHMWPE fibers with self-reinforcing strategy for thermal neutron shielding. Composites Science and Technology. 2024, 251: 110549. doi: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2024.110549

[84] Gangwani P, Kovač J, Emami N, et al. Effect of multi-scale fillers on the tribological behavior of UHMWPE composites in water-lubricated contacts. Tribology International. 2024, 196: 109669. doi: 10.1016/j.triboint.2024.109669

Published
2024-11-01
How to Cite
Li, L., Kong, F., Xiao, A., Su, H., Wu, X., Zhang, Z., & Duan, Y. (2024). Current research status of high-performance UHMWPE fiber: A review. Materials Technology Reports, 2(1), 1518. https://doi.org/10.59400/mtr.v2i1.1518
Section
Review

Most read articles by the same author(s)