• Verpaalen, Rob C. P.
• Houben, Simon J. A.
• Engels, Tom A. P.

Abstract

<p>The rheology, solid state drawability, morphology, and mechanical properties of polyethylene blends containing ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) and linear-low molecular weight polyethylene waxes (PE_wax) are explored. Addition of PE_wax enables melt processing of UHMW-PE and improves solid state drawability, providing opportunities in recycling of UHMW-PE waste. Small angle X-ray scattering results show that both PE_wax and UHMW-PE align fully in the drawing direction, irrespective whether the PE_wax has an M_n below or above the critical molecular weight at which entanglements can form (M_c). Tensile moduli of drawn specimen are in accordance to the Irvine–Smith model confirming that both UHMW-PE and PE_wax align in the drawing direction and no chain slip occurs toward zero strain and both UHMW-PE and PE_wax fractions, irrespective of their molecular weight, contribute fully to the modulus. Tensile strength of the blends scales according to the rule of mixtures where PE_wax below M_c scale toward zero and those above M_c do contribute to the tensile strength. Modulus hence can be regarded as insensitive to the molecular weight of the PE_wax used, whereas strength does show to be sensitive to the molecular weight of the PE_wax.</p>

Topics

• morphology
• melt
• strength
• tensile strength
• molecular weight
• drawing
• small angle x-ray scattering