UHMWPE fiber is a highly promising high-tech fiber with unparalleled advantages compared to other fibers. In the future, with the application of UHMWPE resin produced by metallocene catalysts in the fiber field, with its narrow relative molecular weight distribution and high product purity, it is expected to produce fibers with higher comprehensive properties such as strength and modulus, and further expand its application areas. However, there are still many shortcomings in the development of UHMWPE fiber composite materials at present, such as the adhesion problem between resin and fiber interface, It has a direct impact on the mechanical properties of materials, and even determines the choice of materials. By adopting appropriate modification methods, the surface of UHMWPE fibers can be activated, their surface properties can be improved, and their adhesion to the resin matrix can be enhanced. Although there have been many studies in this area, surface modification methods are not suitable for all resins, and most of them have high costs and complex operating processes. In addition, the application field of UHMWPE fiber composite materials is relatively narrow, currently mainly used for protective materials and ropes. In the future, efforts should be made to make up for the shortcomings of UHMWPE fiber itself, further expand its application field, and make it occupy an advantage in the market competition of high-tech fibers.
Ropes and cables
Due to its high strength, high modulus, wear resistance, chemical corrosion resistance, good light resistance, lightweight, moisture resistance, elongation at break, and long service life, UHMWPE fiber has become the preferred material for ropes. In addition to static ropes, it can be widely used as negative force ropes, heavy-duty ropes, rescue ropes, oilfield ropes, towing ropes, floating target ropes, sailboat ropes, parachute ropes, fishing lines, sports ropes, etc. The post fracture strength of ropes made of UHMWPE fibers under their own weight is 8 times that of existing steel wire ropes and 2 times that of aramid fibers. Under the same strength as the steel wire rope, the mass of the rope is 1/6 of the mass of the steel wire rope. And unlike steel ropes, this rope does not have rust problems during use, as well as defects such as corrosion, hydrolysis, and photodegradation encountered by nylon and polyester ropes, so frequent replacement is not necessary.
Protective equipment
Due to its excellent impact resistance, high energy absorption, and good cutting resistance, UHMWP fiber has a wide range of applications in protective equipment, such as bulletproof vests, protective clothing, bulletproof helmets, armor, etc. made of UHMWPE fiber and its composite materials, among which bulletproof vests are the most eye-catching. It has the advantage of softness and superior bulletproof effect compared to ordinary bulletproof materials, and has become the main product in the US bulletproof vest market. The lightweight UHMWPE fiber nonwoven sheet made from this can block high-level gun shots, such as the steel core bullets of the 79 miniature submachine gun or the 56 rifle. Due to the high impact resistance of the lightweight UHMWPE fiber nonwoven board, it can reduce the energy of high-speed bullets and absorb, diffuse, and store the remaining energy of bullets, resulting in their energy consumption. Thus, it plays a role in protecting the human body, not only in preventing bullets, but also in preventing non penetrating injuries.
Other applications
Due to its high strength, light weight, and good impact resistance, UHMWPE fiber composite materials can be applied in structural components of aerospace such as spacecraft and aircraft, as well as as as as deceleration parachutes during landing of space shuttles; In terms of sports equipment, it can be used as components for skis, sailboats, fishing rods, rackets, bicycles, Formula 4 racing cars, etc; In terms of biomedical materials, due to their good biocompatibility and durability, they can be used as dental support materials, medical grafts, and plastic suture materials; In addition, this composite material can also be used for ultra-low temperature superconducting material radar protective covers, flow deflectors, pressure resistant containers, filtering materials, automotive buffer plates, partitions, etc.