Ultradrawing properties of ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene/attapulgite fibers

An investigation of the influence of the contents of original and modified attapulgite (ATP) on the ultradrawing properties of ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)/ATP (FAx) and UHMWPE/modified ATP (FAmx) as-prepared fibers is reported. Similar to what is found for the orientation factor values, the achievable draw ratios (Dra) of the FAx and FAmx as-prepared fibers approach a maximum value as the original ATP and/or modified ATP contents reach their corresponding optimum values. The maximum Dra value obtained for FAmx as-prepared fiber specimens is significantly higher than that for FAx as-prepared fiber specimens prepared at the optimum original ATP content. Similar to what is found for the orientation factors and achievable drawing properties, the tensile strength (sf) and initial modulus (E) of both drawn F2Ax and F2Amx fiber series specimens with a fixed draw ratio reach maximum values as the original and/or modified ATP contents approach the optimum values, respectively. The sf and E values of the F2Amx fiber specimens are always significantly higher than those of the corresponding F2Ax fiber specimens prepared at the same draw ratios and ATP contents but without being modified. To understand the interesting ultradrawing, orientation and tensile properties of FAx and FAmx fiber specimens, Fourier transform infrared spectral, specific surface area, transmission electron microscopic and elemental analyses of the original and modified ATPs were performed. Copyright (C) 2012 Society of Chemical Industry