UHMWPE

Coordinated structural optimization via two-step hot stretching

At 385 K, two-step hot stretching achieves a balanced coordination among chain orientation, inter-chain packing, and entanglement release, yielding superior structural optimization over one-step processing.

Xulin, Tang · Ranqing, Huo · Lu, Chun · Yan, Shijing · Wen, Qi · Ketong, Luo · Yiting, Yang

Computational Materials Science 2026

Specifications

Optimal processing temperature

{'zh': '385', 'en': '385'} K

Lower processing temperature

{'zh': '353', 'en': '353'} K

Upper processing temperature

{'zh': '445', 'en': '445'} K

Advantages

Optimal temperature 385 K

At 385 K, sufficient chain mobility is retained while avoiding excessive thermal disturbance, leading to optimal balance among local orientation, inter-chain packing, entanglement release, and crystallization ordering.

Two-step outperforms one-step

Compared with one-step hot stretching, the two-step process further improves density-based crystallinity, local-segment orientation, and inter-chain packing compactness.

Clear processing window

High chain orientation is achieved at the later stage under all temperature conditions, but final structural differences depend on chain rearrangement capability and local packing state.

Applications

• High-performance fibers：Optimize fiber spinning with 385 K two-step stretching for higher orientation and crystallinity to obtain high-strength, high-modulus fibers.
• Polymer composites：Provide processing window for controlling UHMWPE matrix structure in composites to improve interfacial adhesion and load transfer.
• Protective materials：Enhance chain packing compactness in UHMWPE for ballistic or impact protective materials to increase energy absorption.