Evaluation of dynamic and thermal mechanical properties of dyneema® HB-50 composite

Purpose This study characterizes dynamic and thermal mechanical properties of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber-reinforced Dyneema® HB-50 composite. The objective was to evaluate its structural stability and performance under thermal and dynamic loading conditions. Design/methodology/approach Laminates of the composite were fabricated using compression moulding method followed by hot pressing to improve structural integrity and specimen quality. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to assess thermal degradation behavior while dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was conducted to evaluate the viscoelastic properties. The thermomechanical properties of the composite were accessed over a frequency range of 0.1–10 Hz and a temperature range of 30°C–140°C. Findings TGA and DSC results inferred thermal degradation of Dyneema® HB-50 without residue and variation in thermal properties, confirming to fully crystalline nature and well-defined melting peak at 145°C–150°C without glass transition temperature. DMA demonstrated storage modulus, loss modulus and tan d are strongly dependant on frequency and temperature. Progressive decline in modulus from 30°C to 130°C was observed associated with crazing, microcrack formation and fiber–matrix bond weakening. Loss modulus and tan d peaks shifted consistently to higher temperatures with increasing frequency confirming viscoelastic behavior and adherence to the time and temperature superposition principle. Originality/value The novelty of this study lies in the integrated investigation of dynamic mechanical and thermal properties of Dyneema® HB-50 ballistic composite to provide deeper insight into its structural stability and thermomechanical performance. These findings contribute meaningfully to the development of improved lightweight ballistic protection systems and establishes a critical foundation for predicting the long-term reliability of the composite in dynamic, vibration-intensive and thermally demanding structural applications.