Cross-linking of porous gel-spun ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene by means of electron beam irradiation

Summary Porous gel-spun ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibres, consisting of large folded chain lamellae linked to each other by means of tie molecules, have been Irradiated at room temperature by means of high energy electrons.From a discrepancy in yield of cross-links per unit of absorbed irradiation energy as calculated from sol-gel measurements and equilibrium swelling experiments, it was concluded that the tie molecules are preferentially scissioned, and thereby separating the different lamellae. At high irradiation doses the lamellae are linked again by cross-links between consecutive lamellae.