LOW CREEP, HIGH STRENGTH UHMWPE FIBRES AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCING THEREOF

摘要

The invention relates to a process for producing gel-spun ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibres having high tensile strengths and improved creep rates wherein the UHMWPE used in said process comprises per thousand carbon atoms between 0.1 and 1.3 methyl side groups; and between 0.08 and 0.6 of methyl end groups; and wherein the overall draw ratio (DRoverall = DRfluid x DRgel x DRsolid) is at least 7000 provided that the fluid draw ratio DRfluid = DRsp x DRag is at least 100, wherein DRsp is the draw ratio in the spinholes and DRag is the draw ratio in the air gap. The invention further relates to gel-spun UHMWPE fibres produced thereof. The gel-spun UHMWPE fibres of the invention have a tensile strength of at least 4 GPa, and a creep rate as measured at 70°C under a load of 600 MPa of at most 6 x 10-7 sec-1. The gel-spun UHMWPE fibres produced thereof are useful in a variety of applications, the invention relating in particular to ropes, medical devices, composite articles and ballistic-resistant articles containing said UHMWPE fibres.