Relaxation transitions in UHMWPE near-surface layers as revealed by the thermoluminescence method

Abstract

Abstract Aiming at finding the proper UHMWPE reactor powders convenient for solvent-free technology producing high-strength fibers, the comparative study of the near-surface layers of the commercial and lab-scale UHMWPE reactor powders was carried out with the help of the thermoluminiscence method. The difference in the powder glow curves and changes in them after subjecting the powders to various processing (compaction and sintering) were observed. Decomposition of the curves was carried out using Fityk program. The energy activation of the electron trap erosion, and the relative content of the shallow and deep traps in the samples investigated were calculated. The association of these observations with the mechanical propeties of the end sintered oriented product is discussed.