Two processing methods for UHMW Polyethylene
Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene has the advantages of superior wear resistance and self-lubricity. The following are two processing methods for ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.
1. Extrusion molding
Extrusion molding equipment mainly includes a plunger extruder, a single screw extruder and a twin screw extruder. The twin-screw extrusion uses a co-rotating twin-screw extruder.
In the 1960s, most of the plunger extruders were used. In the mid-1970s, Japan, the United States, and West Germany developed a single-screw extrusion process. Japan’s Mitsui Petrochemical Co., Ltd. first achieved the success of round bar extrusion technology in 1974. At the end of 1994, China developed a single-screw extruder for Φ45 ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. In 1997, it achieved the success of the industrial production line of Φ65 single-screw extruded pipe.
2. Press sintering
(1) Press sintering is the most primitive processing method for ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. This method is relatively inefficient and prone to oxidation and degradation. In order to increase production efficiency, direct electric heating can be employed.
(2) Ultra-high-speed sintering process, using a vane mixer, the maximum speed of blade rotation can reach 150m / s, so that the material can be raised to the processing temperature in only a few seconds.
When purchasing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene products, it is necessary to pay attention to distinguish the true and false of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. The genuine ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene has uniform color, smooth surface and no rough feeling, and will not break when hammered with a hammer.