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Abstract

The invention relates to a process for producing gel-spun ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibres having high tensile strengths and improved creep rates wherein the UHMWPE used in said process is characterized by a difference in the phase angle according to Formula 1

description='In-line Formulae' end='lead'Δδ=δ_0.001−δ₁₀₀  (1)description='In-line Formulae' end='tail'

of at most 42°,

wherein δ_0.001 is the phase angle at an angular frequency of 0.001 rad/sec; and

δ100 is the phase angle at an angular frequency of 100 rad/sec as measured with a frequency sweep dynamic rheological technique at 150° C. on a 10% solution of UHMWPE in paraffin oil, provided that δ100 is at most 18°. The invention further relates to gel-spun UHMWPE fibres produced thereof. The gel-spun UHMWPE fibres of the invention have a tensile strength of at least 4 GPa, and a creep rate of at most 5×10−7 sec−1 as measured at 70° C. under a load of 600 MPa. The gel-spun UHMWPE fibres produced thereof are useful in a variety of applications, the invention relating in particular to ropes, medical devices, composite articles and ballistic-resistant articles containing said UHMWPE fibres.

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First Claim