What is UHMWPE Fiber same as DYNEEMA?

What does UHMWPE stand for?

UHMWPE stands for ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. You may also hear it referred to as HMPE, or by brand names such as Spectra, Dyneema or Stealth Fibre.

UHMWPE is used in high-performance lines across a variety of industries, including marine, commercial fishing, mountaineering, and aquaculture. It has many qualities that make it an excellent choice for wet environments; it is light enough to float, is hydrophobic (repels water) and stays tough at low temperatures. You will also find it used in yachting, particularly with sails and rigging, as its low stretchability lets the sails maintain an optimal shape while still being exceptionally resistant to abrasion.

With its high strength to weight ratio, smooth handling and low stretch properties, it is the rope of choice for ship assist lines, offshore rigs and tankers. It is especially popular for manoeuvring vessels in distress situations.

What are the advanced properties of UHMWPE?

The superior properties of UHMWPE include:

High melting point (over 144°C)

Low density – floats on sea water

Low weight

Safer than wire – breaks in a linear fashion

High performance

Low moisture absorption (repels water)

Chemical resistant (excluding oxidising acids)

High strength – stronger than hardened steel

UV resistance – prolonging the life of your rope

Self-lubricating – low coefficient of friction

Superior abrasion resistance

Ultra-low stretch (3–4% at breaking load)

Reduced cost in comparison to steel rope

Low dielectric constant – almost transparent to radar

Vibration damping

Low maintenance

Low electrical conductivity

Excellent flex fatigue

Do you know how is UHMWPE manufactured?

As mentioned, UHMWPE is a polyolefin fibre. The fibres are produced through a gel spinning process of a polyolefin resin (HMPE) with an exceptionally high molecular weight, usually between 2 and 6 million g/mol. With the aid of a solvent, the resin is transformed into a gel solution. Fibres are spun from this high molecular weight solution, the solvent removed, and the polyethylene fibre stretched to many times its original length. The result is a very tough material, with the greatest impact strength of any thermoplastic currently in circulation.

What is the difference between UHMW and UHMWPE?

UHMW stands for Ultra High Molecular Weight and is an abbreviation of UHMWPE. The terminology is used interchangeably. You may also hear ropes constructed in this way referred to as HMPE NETTING in different parts of the world.

What is UHMWPE mainly used for?

Typical applications of Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) include:

Deep Sea Aquaculture Cage UHMWPE NETTING

Towing heavy objects, especially vehicles and vessels

Winching, both onshore and offshore

Mooring – it is recommended by OCIMF for safe mooring of tanker vessels

Cranes and pulley systems where heavy lifting is required

Wire rope replacement – it is stronger and more affordable

Anchor rope

Deepwater installations

Lifting slings and cables

Paragliding lines

Trawl nets and ropes

Synthetic link chains

Pulling up the mainsails of yachts

Kickers – for pulling on tension on the sail and boom

Strops – replacing sail ties to connect the sail to the boat

Conveyor lines

fishing lines –

Spear lines on spear-guns

Watersports (wake-board and kite surfing lines)

Marine equipment

Operations that require regular harsh cleaning in a wet environment