UHMWPE is lightweight, durable and biocompatible, and the strength of the material is comparable to metal. A problem with composites previously was the weak interface between the fibers and the bonding matrix. In the new material, both fibers and matrix are made of UHMWPE. Therefore the grip is better.
The scientists performed a series of mechanical tests, including bending, tensile and impact strength, and also examined the microstructure using electron microscopy. The tensile strength reaches up to 50% of the original strength of the fibers; This is a record figure for single-component composites.
Its most important feature is the “self-reinforcing” structure: when pressed, the surface of the fibers partially melts and combines with its neighbors, forming reliable bonds without the need for the addition of other polymers.
Source: Ferra
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