Enhancement of electrospun UHMWPE fiber performance through post‐processing treatment

Abstract In this study, the mechanical performance of electrospun ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber was successfully improved by post‐processing treatment. It is performed by stretching the electrospun UHMWPE mat under constant load at temperatures ranging from 90 to 150°C. The temperature is varied in order to achieve the highest possible draw ratio. The prepared fibers were characterized for their morphological and thermal properties. Moreover, the induced fiber morphology and their performance due to the effect of high‐temperature stretching were evaluated using different characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, and tensile testing analysis. In addition, the characteristics of prepared yarns were also compared with a commercial grade of Spectra® fibers. This analysis shows that the post‐processing of the mat resulted in the production of axially elongated microfibrillar yarn. Maximum tensile strength of 11.14 ± 3.65 GPa was attained at a stretching temperature of 130°C. However, further raising the temperature causes a decline in performance, demonstrating that the stretching temperature dramatically influences the properties of the fiber.