Patent ID: 9194059
Filing Date: 2015-11-24
Classification: B29C,D01D,D01F,D10B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A gel-spinning process for making ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) yarns comprised of UHMWPE gel-spun filaments, wherein the process comprises the steps of: a) preparing a solution of an UHMWPE in a solvent; b) spinning through a spinneret and into an air gap the solution of step a) to form fluid filaments, the spinneret containing multiple spinholes and wherein each spinhole comprises at least one zone with a gradual decrease in diameter and wherein the downstream diameter of the spinhole from which the solution is issued in the air gap is between 0.1 and 1.5 mm; c) drawing the fluid filaments with a fluid draw ratio DR d) cooling the fluid filaments to form solvent-containing gel filaments; and e) removing at least partly the remaining solvent from the gel filaments to form solid filaments, before, during or after drawing the solid filaments with a draw ratio DR