Temporary-Creep and Postcreep Properties of Aquaculture Netting Materials With UHMWPE Fibers

This paper presents test results on temporary-creep properties, recovery of strain postcreep and postcreep tensile properties of a Raschel knitted netting material with a combination of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and polyester fibers. Specimens of the material were subjected to uniaxial loading over a period of 30 mins, at a constant creep target load of 10–90% of average tensile strength. The specimens were wet and tested in room temperature. The netting structure experienced creep strain with mean values in the range of 1.3–4.5%, increasing with increased creep target load. In addition, the netting experienced 2% creep strain during on-loading. The creep strains were elastic, while large proportions of the elongation accumulated during on-loading (structural strain of 8.8–27.8%) were long lasting and possibly permanent. Tensile tests showed that for the highest creep target load, strength, and elongation at break increased by 17%.