A novel fabrication route for auxetic polyethylene, part 2: Mechanical properties

Auxetic ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has been fabricated by omitting the extrusion stage usually required to form the characteristic nodule-fibril microstructure of this material. This new route consists of compaction followed by multiple sintering treatments, with the best results using two successive sintering treatments. This article examines the mechanical properties of cylindrical compacts subjected to between one and four successive sintering treatments. The indentation resistance of the double-sintered material was found to be 2.5 times that of conventionally processed UHMWPE and similar to that found in the extruded form of auxetic polyethylene. The flexural strength and strain to failure increase dramatically with the first sintering treatment and then remain almost constant. This processing route has potential for the production of more complex, useful shapes than can currently be produced since it removes the limitations imposed by the geometry of the barrel required for the extrusion stage.