| abstract |
High performance (high tenacity and modulus) polyethylene fibers are subjected to pressure at elevated temperatures in the absence of a matrix to form articles such as non-woven fabrics and film-like structures, which may be translucent or even transparent. Good fiber adhesion and even fiber deformation to produce a substantially void-free article are achieved, even when molding temperatures are below the approximately 138°C melting temperature of the precursor UHMW polyethylene. Fiber physical properties, and especially high tenacities, are retained even when temperatures exceed 138°C, such as at 140°C, 150°C or 155°C molding temperature. |