A twist-film gel spinning process was developed for large-diameter high-performance ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) monofilaments. By using polybutene as a spin-solvent, film twisting was demonstrated to be an effective method for solvent removal; approximately 70% of solvent contained in the gel film can be removed simply by film twisting. This mechanical solvent removal process also makes conventional solvent extraction proceed significantly faster. Besides improved solvent extraction efficiency, large-diameter high-strength UHMWPE monofilaments (with diameters of about 80 µm and strength exceeding 3.2 GPa) can be produced with this process, which is difficult to achieve using conventional processes. The capability of making large-diameter high-strength monofilaments may allow new products of UHMWPE to be developed in a number of high-performance applications.
