The effect of powder particle fusion on the mechanical properties of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene

Rheo‐optical and mechanical property studies with compression molded ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene specimens at different temperatures indicate that their mechanical performance is dependent on the degree of fusion of the powder particles during compression and can be enhanced by heating the polymer powder at temperatures above 220°C. Although the mechanical performance of the compression molded specimens can be improved further by solid‐state drawing at a draw ratio 5, the anisotropic morphologies from molded specimen above 220°C have higher initial slope of stress to elongation, strength to break, and an outstanding elastic recovery in compreision to the compression molded specimens at 180°C. Copyright © 1985 Society of Plastics Engineers, Inc.