Correlation between thermomechanical behavior and density of UHMWPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene) reinforcements embedded in self-reinforced composites, following a parametric study of the process used

Self-reinforced polymers (SRPs) show many advantages such as greater ductility, lightness, and recyclability compared to glass or carbon fiber-reinforced composites. A process from pellets to produce Self-reinforced PolyEthylene (SRPE) composites reinforced with continuous polyethylene Doyentrontex® yarns is proposed. The architecture of the reinforcement or defects in the composite can mask the effects of the process. The study then focuses on specimens reinforced between 1 and 12 yarns. The influence of process parameters on the thermomechanical behavior of SRPE and the neat PolyEthylene (PE) is investigated through tensile tests conducted at 23 and 60 °C. An optimal combination is sought to be able to consider future structural applications. The influence of the amount of reinforcement on the thermomechanical properties of SRPE has also been studied for the same process conditions. The tangent modulus and the maximum strength are the parameters most affected by the reinforcement density. The importance of yarns’ layout is also emphasized.