Study on the synergistic effect of additives on the processing performance of UHMWPE/HDPE blends

Abstract

AbstractThe challenging melt processing of ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) melt spinning hinders its efficiency and quality, which can be improved by processing aids that enhance its flowability. Building upon modifications of UHMWPE with high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), this article studies the effects of CaSt2, polyethylene glycol (PEG), silicone powder, and their compound additives on the processing performance of UHMWPE/HDPE blends. The modification effects and mechanisms are studied by analyzing processing torque, melt flow rate, viscoelastic activation energy, and rheological performance. The research results indicate that 1 wt% PEG significantly improves the processing flowability of UHMWPE/HDPE blends, and PEG mainly plays an internal lubrication role on the molecular chains of the blends. The combination of 0.5 wt% CaSt2 and 0.5 wt% silicone powder exhibits a synergistic effect of internal and external lubrication on the UHMWPE/HDPE blends melt processing, further improving the processing performance of UHMWPE/HDPE blends. Compared with unmodified blends, the maximum screw speed for obtaining qualified as‐spun filaments of UHMWPE/HDPE blends modified with CaSt2/silicone powder compound additives increases from 5 to 20 rpm, which means that the critical shear rate of the modified UHMWPE/HDPE blend melt processing is significantly improved. Meanwhile, the processing torque decreases by about 22%.