Abstract

Processing of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) parts involves non-isothermal cooling leading to crystallinity variations, which cause variations in the mechanical properties. Study of non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of UHMWPE forms the basis for process modelling. The crystallization of UHMWPE was studied at seven different cooling rates. The crystallization onset and peak temperatures were linearly related to the cooling rate. The crystallization of UHMWPE was concluded to be a nucleation dominated process with small contribution from growth of nuclei. Differences in ultimate crystallinity (≈11%) were produced due to different cooling rates. A significant portion of the change in ultimate crystallinity occurred at lower cooling rates (<6°C min−1). At higher cooling rates (6–22°C min−1) the change in ultimate crystallinity was insignificant.

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