Effect of Resin Parameters on the Consistency and Mechanical Properties of Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Fiber

Maintaining the consistency of linear density in ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber has been a critical challenge in the production of UHMWPE fibers. However, there has been limited research focusing on the impact of UHMWPE resin parameters on the consistency in fiber linear density. In this study, a series of UHMWPE fibers were produced through wet spinning using UHMWPE resins with varying parameters. The effects of molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, particle size, and particle size distribution of UHMWPE resins on the consistency of linear density and the mechanical properties of UHMWPE fibers were systematically investigated. The experimental findings revealed that narrowing the molecular weight distribution and particle size distribution of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) resin precursors significantly enhanced the consistency of resultant UHMWPE fibers, concurrently improving their tensile strength and elastic modulus. Notably, while the absolute molecular weight of the resin demonstrated no statistically significant correlation with fiber consistency, an optimal molecular weight range was identified to maximize the mechanical performance of UHMWPE fibers. Specifically, fibers synthesized from resin precursors within this molecular weight window exhibited peak values in both strength and modulus, suggesting a critical balance between molecular chain entanglement and processability.