Solvent-free, solid state processed tapes of UHMWPE: Influence of molar mass and molar mass distribution on tensile properties

In normal practice, ease in processing comes at the expense of reduction in mechanical properties. Here we show that by controlled synthesis, it is possible to synthesize a wide range of linear Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylenes that can be stretched uniaxially into tapes. In these uniaxially drawn tapes the bundles of fibres align themselves in a preferred crystal plane orientation accounting for an extraordinary high tensile modulus. The stretching process is accomplished in the solid state, without any solvent requirement. The ease in processing combined with controlled synthesis provides a unique opportunity to follow the influence of molar mass on mechanical properties.