Rheological Property-Based Optimization of Spinning Temperature to Enhance the Performance of Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Fibers

In this work, the effect of spinning temperatures (165°C, 170°C, 175°C, and 180°C) on the rheological properties of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) gel was investigated, and its subsequent direct effect on the performance of UHMWPE fibers was analyzed, including modulus, morphology, structure, and mechanical properties. The experimental results indicate that the structural viscosity index can be used as a rapid and effective screening tool in evaluating the properties of UHMWPE fibers. When the structural viscosity index reaches a relatively smaller value of 12.584 at 170°C, the linear density, tensile strength, tensile modulus, and breaking elongation of UHMWPE fibers are better, achieving values of 52.33 dtex, 31.88 cN/dtex, 1022.49 cN/dtex, and 3.34%, respectively. Moreover, AFM analysis further confirms that UHMWPE fibers spun at 170°C exhibit a smoother surface with a roughness of 0.57 nm and a relatively high contact modulus of 61.94 MPa. These findings provide valuable insights for tailoring rheological properties to enhance subsequent applications, including spinning, adhesive, and 3D printing.