Utilizing the chain of knowledge has been core to the discovery and continual development of Dyneema® UHMwPE Fibers, which have allowed the humble polyethylene molecule to be used in securing super-tankers, stopping bullets, surgical sutures and many more challenging applications. For permanent mooring applications (e.g. securing off-shore windmills, tethering tidal energy devices, etc.) where Dyneema®’s light-weight high strength fibers are put under a static load for extended periods of time, controlling creep behavior is the key to success. This paper focuses on the different aspects of minimizing creep behavior: catalyst research, UHMwPE microstructure control, analytical technique development, processing of the powder into low-creep fibers and final application. We will demonstrate how this chain of knowledge has been exploited to increase our scientific understanding, innovation capability and extending the performance of this marvelous molecule and the fabulous fiber it forms.

Unraveling the mechanisms of low creep UHMwPE fibers

254th National Meeting (2017)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.