DefinePK

Abstract

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a polymer with superior mechanical properties. However, processing of UHMWPE has been a great challenge due to the extremely high viscosity of UHMWPE which limits its utility in applying it for some processing technology such as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) which receives raw material only in filament form. Recent processing technology highlighted that extrusion technology is the most economical way for producing filament. Thus, the aim of this work is to improve the processability of UHMWPE for extrusion process via blending with polypropylene (PP), with enhancing the mechanical properties of UHMWPE. The result shows that UHMWPE/PP blend at 80/20 ratio provides maximum melt flow rate. The highest thermal stability observed at 90/10 ratio of UHMWPE/PP blend. Thermal decomposition curves revealed that UHMWPE/PP blends and both pure UHMWPE and PP decomposed above 250 °C.