Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber has a low density and can float on the water surface; its specific strength is more than ten times that of steel wire with the same cross-section, and its specific modulus is second only to special carbon fiber; it has a large work of rupture and a strong ability to absorb energy, so it has outstanding impact resistance and cutting resistance (impact absorption energy is nearly 1 time higher than that of para-aramid), low friction coefficient and good wear resistance; it is resistant to ultraviolet radiation, neutrons, and y rays, has a low dielectric constant and high electromagnetic wave transmittance; it is resistant to chemical corrosion, wear and has a long flex life; it has a low thermal deformation temperature, a low melting point, and poor creep resistance.
Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber is the first choice for modern protective materials, with broad prospects for military and civilian use. It is widely used in national defense, marine engineering, industrial protection, aerospace, sports equipment, medical equipment, municipal construction, advanced fabrics, and other fields.
The global production capacity of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber is 67,000 tons/year, and China’s production capacity is 45,000 tons/year, making it the world’s largest producer of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber. DSM of the Netherlands is the founder of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber and the world’s largest and best-quality manufacturer, with an annual output of about 14,000 tons. In 2022, the relevant business was acquired by Avant of the United States. At present, Avant of the United States, Honeywell of the United States, and Toyobo of Japan monopolize the global high-end product technology of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber.
Using the conventional dry route, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber has fine filaments, soft touch, and low mechanical properties; using the new wet route, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber has excellent mechanical properties, but the process is long, and because white oil is used, the environmental pressure is high.
secular weight polyethylene fiber production enterprises in China, of which more than 90% of the production capacity is a wet process. Many enterprises are actively planning to expand production capacity, and it is expected that the new production capacity will be 48,000 tons/year in 5 years.
Affected by geopolitical conflicts and increased awareness of national security protection, the global demand for high-strength and high-performance ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers has grown steadily. In 2023, the global demand for ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber will be 54,700 tons, with an average annual compound growth rate of 12.1% from 2018 to 2023.
China’s ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber market has entered a stable development stage from rapid development. In the first two years, downstream demand fluctuated and the growth rate slowed down. In 2023, China’s demand for ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber will reach 33,800 tons, accounting for more than 60% of global demand, with an average annual compound growth rate of 14.6% from 2018 to 2023.
The future development trend of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber is high strength, functional,ity and low cost.