The relation between filament diameter and fracture strength for ultra-high-modulus polyethylene fibres

The effect of filament diameter on the failure stress of polyethylene fibres has been studied using Weibull analysis. Both gel-spun and melt-spun fibres have been examined, so that differences might be observed for changes in draw ratio or modulus as well as molecular weight. It is concluded that the strength of high-modulus melt-spun fibres relates to the concentration of flaws and is significantly dependent on filament diameter. Conflicting results for gel-spun fibres are discussed in the light of the present investigation, and it is concluded that the mechanism of failure in these fibres is different from that of the melt-spun fibres.