| Investigation of the influence of the original and modified attapulgite (ATP) contents on the ultradrawing properties of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene/attapulgites (UHMWPE/ATPs, FAX) and UHMWPE/modified ATPs (FAmx) as-prepared fibers is reported. The modified ATPs were prepared by the addition of sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) molecules onto the original ATPs. As evidenced by the specific surface areas analysis, when modified by SHMP under ultrasonic condition for sufficient time (≥5hours), the specific surface areas obtained for modified ATPs reach another maximum210m2/g as the SHMP contents approach an optimum value at3wt%. It is reported that the orientation factor values and the achievable draw ratio (Dra) of the FAX and FAmx as-prepared fibers with a fixed draw ratios approached a maximum value as the original ATP and/or modified ATP contents reached their corresponding optimum values, respectively. In which the maximum Dra value obtained for FAmx as-prepared fiber specimens was significantly higher that of the FAX as-prepared fiber specimens prepared at the optimum original ATP content. In a way similar to those found for their orientation factors and achievable drawing properties, the tensile strength (σ f) and initial modulus (E) values of both drawn F2Ax and F2Amx fiber series specimens with a fixed draw ratio reach a maximum value as their original and/or modified ATP contents approach the optimum values, respectively, wherein the σ f and E values of the F2Amx fiber specimens are always significantly higher than those of the corresponding F2Ax fiber specimens prepared at the same draw ratios and ATP contents but without being modified. To understand the interesting ultradrawing, orientation and tensile properties of FAx and FAmx fiber specimens, Fourier transform infra-red, specific surface area, transmission electron microcopic and elemental analyses of the original and modified ATPs were performed in this study. |
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