Abstract: A method for the production of films/fibers of UHMWPE below 3 mils and preferably about 2 mils in thickness. The process involves calendering and/or drawing the materials of the prior art under careful tension control at a temperature above the melting point of the UHMWPE material. Before and after subsequent slitting, and/or fibrillation, UV resistance treatments, etc the thin films/fibers thus produced find use in such diverse applications as personal armor, dental floss, and sails for sail boats.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 25, 2004
Date of Patent:
October 4, 2005
Assignee:
Integrated Textile Systems, Inc.
Inventors:
Gene C. Weedon, Charles Paul Weber, Jr., Kenneth C. Harding