Towards high-performance all-polyethylene materials by a two-step processing strategy using two-roll mill.

In this study, we proposed a unique continuous two-step two-roll mill processing method to prepare high-performance self-reinforced polyethylene materials of high-density polyethylene (HDPE)/ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The first step of high temperature melting is to disperse UHMWPE uniformly in HDPE matrix, and the second step of directional extension upon low-temperature is to significantly improve the structural regularity. The special crystal structures containing interlocked shish-kebab formed and the mechanical properties, barrier property, creep resistance of HDPE/UHMWPE were improved dramatically. Moreover, we found that the effective UHMWPE content is 0.02～0.1%, especially when the content was 0.08%, the tensile strength is 98.2 MPa, nearly double than pure HDPE, and the oxygen permeability is only 18.3% of pure HDPE. So, our study suggests an efficient, eco-friendly strategy for the manufacturing of high-performance all-polyethylene materials, which is of significance for extending the application fields of polyethylene. [Display omitted] • Preparing high-performance self-reinforced polyethylene materials. • The strategy is a unique continuous two-step, two-roll mill processing method. • The most effective UHMWPE content is within 0.08～0.1 wt%. • The reinforcements in property are consistent with interlocked shish-kebab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]