Structure and Mechanical Properties of Porous Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene

Abstract

The porous UHMWPE were prepared by wet process and biaxial stretching. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) experimental results indicated that there were two discernible components: microfibril bundles and microfibril networks in the porous biaxial UHMWPE. The higher draw ratio along the longitudinal direction (the machine direction) contributed more to orientation of the UHMWPE fibrils. Along the transverse direction, fibrils were torn, and more microfibrils network with larger size formed. The mechanical test results showed that along the longitudinal direction, the UHMWPE exhibited higher tensile strength and lower elongation-at-break.