SPECTRA#xAE; polyethylene fibers are rapidly gaining acceptance in many applications in which high strength and modulus are required. They also represent a breakthrough in fiber technology because they represent the first case of a successful conversion of a flexible polymer into an ultra-strong fiber. Until the work of Pennings, who did the pioneering work on solution processing of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, it was postulated that the manufacture of very strong extended chain fibers requires special rigid polymers that form nematic liquid crystalline solutions or melts. The driving force for the commercial success of Spectra#xAE; is based not only on its specific modulus and strength but also on its unmatched damage tolerance and impact resistance. In this study, we identify the molecular, crystallographic and morphological factors contributing to the fatigue and impact resistance and damage tolerance of this fiber.
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