Development and characterization of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) blends

• Grant number: 15/13619-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2015
• End date: September 30, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Fabio Roberto Passador
• Grantee: Caroline Martins dos Santos
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia (ICT). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São José dos Campos. São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

There is a large interest for development of materials with superior properties in ballistic protection sector for cars and aircraft. The ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) is a polymer with potential use in this area, however, due to high melt viscosity, it is necessary to add a second phase of similar chemical structure and low viscosity, to improve its processability. This research project aims to the preparation and characterization of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) / linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) blends using a homogenizer of high speed for processing in the molten state. The main advantage of this process is the high rotor speed (3000 rpm) that can enhance the mixing of the constituent phases of the polymer blend. The methodology includes the study of the structure, morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of the polymer blends with different content of LLDPE. The results will be evaluated through correlations between structure, properties and processing of the polymer blends with different content of LLDPE.