Optimal Conditions for Compaction and Monolith Production of Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Reactor Powders

Resumo

A special cell (press-form) was fabricated for compaction and monolith production of UHMWPE reactor powder over broad ranges of pressure and temperature. The effect of applied pressure on the compaction and the temperature for UHMWPE powder monolith production was studied using scanning electron microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy. It was found that stable tablets of reactor powder were formed and the compaction was complete at 136 MPa for 8 min and more. The optimal temperature range for monolith production using compacted tablets of UHMWPE powder was 135-140°C.