An ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber containing multi-branched filler, its manufacturing method and its application

Abstract

This invention relates to an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber comprising multi-branched filler, its manufacturing method, and its applications. The UHMWPE fiber of this invention can greatly improve the comfort of fabrics, while the fabrics can achieve cut resistance level 5 according to EN388-2016 standard. The UHMWPE fiber of this invention comprises UHMWPE as a matrix and multi-branched filler dispersed in the matrix, wherein the multi-branched filler has multiple branched protrusions in its structure, and the multiple branched protrusions may be identical or different from each other, each with an independent length of 5-2000 μm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fiber manufacturing technology, and more specifically to an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber containing multi-branched filler, its manufacturing method, and its applications. Background Technology

[0002] Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber is currently the fiber with the highest specific strength and specific modulus in the world. It is spun from polyethylene with a molecular weight of 1 million to 5 million. UHMWPE fiber is the highest specific strength fiber among industrialized fiber materials, possessing excellent high strength, high modulus, abrasion resistance, and chemical corrosion resistance. It is widely used in safety protection, military, aerospace, marine, and sports fields. With the deepening of military-civilian integration, the application of UHMWPE fiber in the civilian market is gradually increasing, with cut-resistant gloves gradually becoming dominant. Currently, the highest cut rating of commonly used UHMWPE fiber protective gloves is EN388-2016 standard Level 3, which is not suitable for the needs of actual working environments for cut hazard protection.

[0003] To improve the cut resistance of gloves, a common method is to blend steel wire with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers to achieve an ultra-high cut resistance rating. While this method improves the cut resistance of gloves, the steel wire is relatively stiff, making them difficult to wear and uncomfortable, thus failing to achieve a balance between protective performance and comfort. Currently, the most common method is to modify UHMWPE by adding fibrous fillers.

[0004] Patent CN101528998A discloses a composite yarn containing filaments or fixed-length fibers. The fixed-length fibers used are short-cut hard fibers with a certain aspect ratio, including glass fibers, mineral fibers or metal fibers, which are used to improve the cut resistance of the yarn.

[0005] Patent CN109610040A discloses a method of mixing glass fiber with a first white oil to obtain a glass fiber premix, then mixing the glass fiber premix, antioxidant and UHMWPE powder in a second white oil to obtain a spinning mixture, which is then swelled, extruded and melted to form a gel filament and thus a composite fiber. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The inventors of this invention discovered that while adding fibrous fillers to UHMWPE can improve the cut resistance of gloves, it also results in stiff gloves. Furthermore, the fibrous fillers are prone to detaching from the fiber matrix during manufacturing or use, leading to environmental pollution and secondary harm such as itching and allergies for users. Therefore, it is impossible to achieve a balance between protective performance and wearing comfort (especially safety). To address these issues, the inventors, through diligent research, discovered that introducing specific multi-branched fillers (especially whiskers) into the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene matrix can solve these problems. This invention is based on this discovery.

[0007] Specifically, the present invention relates to the following aspects.

[0008] 1. An ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber comprising ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene as a matrix and a multi-branched filler (such as whiskers) dispersed in the matrix, wherein the multi-branched filler has a plurality of (preferably at least 2, more preferably 2-10 or 3-8) branched protrusions in its structure, and the plurality of branched protrusions may be the same or different from each other, and each of the plurality of branched protrusions has an independent length (measured from the root) of 5-2000 μm (preferably 10-300 μm).

[0009] 2. The fiber described above or below, wherein the content of the multi-branched filler is no more than 30 parts by weight (preferably 5-12 parts by weight) relative to 100 parts by weight of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.

[0010] 3. The fiber described above or below, wherein the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene has a viscosity-average molecular weight of 1 million to 9 million (preferably 3 million to 5 million).

[0011] 4. The fiber described above or below, wherein the plurality of branched protrusions are the same or different from each other, and each has a diameter (root) of up to 10 μm (preferably 0.05-3 μm).

[0012] 5. The fiber described above or below, wherein the multi-branched filler is substantially uniformly dispersed in the matrix, or the matrix is ​​substantially free of agglomeration of the multi-branched filler, or the minimum distance between any two adjacent multi-branched fillers in the matrix is ​​greater than 0.1 μm (preferably greater than 5 μm).

[0013] 6. The fiber described in any of the foregoing or hereinafter, wherein the multi-branched filler is selected from at least one of inorganic compound whiskers and organic compound whiskers, preferably from at least one of inorganic compound whiskers.

[0014] 7. The fiber described in any of the foregoing or hereinafter, wherein the inorganic compound is selected from at least one inorganic oxygen-containing compound, preferably from at least one metal oxide, metal hydroxide and metal oxyacid salt, particularly from at least one metal oxyacid salt, specifically, for example, from at least one of silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium carbonate, basic magnesium sulfate, aluminum borate, magnesium borate, potassium titanate and calcium sulfate; or, the organic compound is selected from at least one organic polymer, preferably from at least one of cellulose, polyester, polyamide, poly4-hydroxybenzoate (PHB).

[0015] 8. The fiber described in either the foregoing or the following, wherein the multi-branched filler has undergone surface chemical modification treatment, such as surface chemical modification treatment with a silane coupling agent.

[0016] 9. The fiber described in either the foregoing or the following, wherein the silane coupling agent is selected from at least one of aminopropyltriethoxysilane, γ-(glycidoxy)propyltrimethoxysilane, and γ-(methacryloyloxy)propyltrimethoxysilane.

[0017] 10. The fiber described in any of the foregoing or hereinafter, wherein the multi-branched filler has undergone surface physical modification treatment, such as surface roughening treatment and / or surface polymer coating treatment.

[0018] 11. The fiber described in any of the foregoing or subsequent aspects, wherein the polymer is selected from at least one of thermoplastic polymers, thermosetting polymers and rubber, preferably selected from at least one of cellulose esters, olefin polymers (polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, chlorinated polyethylene, polyisobutylene, etc.), polyesters, polyethers, polyamides, polyacrylates, α-cyanoacrylates, polyvinyl acetals, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers and isocyanates.

[0019] 12. The fiber described above or below, wherein the included angle between any two adjacent dendritic protrusions is greater than 5° (preferably 30°-90°).

[0020] 13. The fiber described above or below has a single filament fineness of at least 0.5 dtex (preferably 0.9-5 dtex, most preferably 1-3 dtex).

[0021] 14. A method for manufacturing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber, comprising the following steps:

[0022] 1) Optionally, a multi-branched filler (e.g., whiskers) undergoes surface chemical modification and / or surface physical modification to obtain a modified multi-branched filler, wherein the multi-branched filler has multiple (preferably at least 2, more preferably 2-10 or 3-8) dendritic protrusions in its structure, and the multiple dendritic protrusions may be the same or different from each other, and each has an independent length (measured from the root) of 5-2000 μm (preferably 10-300 μm).

[0023] 2) Mix the modified multi-branched filler or the multi-branched filler, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and solvent to obtain a spinning solution.

[0024] 3) The spinning solution is spun into the polyethylene fiber.

[0025] 15. The manufacturing method described above or below, wherein before performing step 1), the method further includes a step of drying the multi-branched filler, the drying comprising: reducing pressure, drying temperature of 80-200°C (preferably 90-120°C), and drying time of 0.5-10h (preferably 1-4h).

[0026] 16. The manufacturing method described above or below, wherein the surface chemical modification treatment comprises: using a silane coupling agent, wherein the amount of the silane coupling agent is 0.8-5 wt% (preferably 1-3 wt%) of the weight of the multi-branched filler, the treatment temperature is 40-100°C (preferably 70-90°C), and the treatment time is 1-120 min (preferably 5-30 min).

[0027] 17. The manufacturing method described above or below, wherein the surface physical modification treatment comprises: surface coating with a polymer, wherein the amount of the polymer (dry basis) is at least 1% wt% (preferably 5-10 wt%) of the weight of the multi-branched filler, the treatment temperature is at least 30°C (preferably 40-60°C), and the treatment time is at least 1 min (preferably 5-10 min).

[0028] 18. The manufacturing method described above or below, wherein the amount of the multi-branched filler or the modified multi-branched filler (based on multi-branched filler) is at most 50 parts by weight (preferably 6-12 parts by weight) relative to 100 parts by weight of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and the amount of the solvent is at least 500 parts by weight (preferably 1000-2000 parts by weight).

[0029] 19. The manufacturing method described above or below, wherein in step 3), the spinning includes: gel spinning, with a primary draw ratio of 3-10 at the spinneret, an over-drawing temperature of 80-150°C, and an over-drawing ratio of 6-20 (preferably 8-15).

[0030] 20. The manufacturing method described above or below, wherein step 3) further includes a step of combing and orienting the spinning solution.

[0031] 21. A fabric comprising ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers as described above or below, or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers manufactured by the manufacturing methods described above or below.

[0032] 22. The fabric described above or below has a cut resistance that meets level 5 of EN388-2003 standard.

[0033] 23. The fabric described in any of the foregoing or hereinafter includes at least one other fiber selected from natural plant fibers, natural animal fibers, man-made regenerated fibers, synthetic fibers and inorganic fibers.

[0034] Technical effect

[0035] The multi-branched filler used in this invention differs from existing fibrous fillers. It can anchor itself within the fibers, allowing it to exist more stably and preventing detachment, thus effectively reducing secondary injury to the human body. Especially during fiber manufacturing or cutting, the branched protrusions of the multi-branched filler remain stable without detachment or rolling. Furthermore, the branched protrusions of the multi-branched filler can simultaneously bridge both sides of a crack, preventing crack propagation, thereby achieving high strength, high toughness, and cut-resistant properties.

[0036] The ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber of this invention can greatly improve the wearing comfort of the fabric, especially the wearing safety, while the fabric can achieve level 5 of the EN388-2003 standard for cut resistance. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the dispersion of the multi-branched filler in a polyethylene matrix according to the present invention.

[0038] exist Figure 1 In this context, H represents the length of the branched protrusion (measured from the root), and L represents the minimum distance between two adjacent multi-branched fillers. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. However, it should be noted that the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, but is determined by the claims in the appendix.

[0040] All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art. In case of conflict, the definitions in this specification shall prevail.

[0041] When this specification uses the prefixes “known to those skilled in the art,” “prior art,” or similar terms to derive materials, substances, methods, steps, apparatus, or components, the objects derived from such prefixes cover those commonly used in the art at the time of this application, but also include those that are not currently commonly used but will become generally recognized in the art as suitable for similar purposes.

[0042] In the context of this specification, "basically" means a deviation of no more than 20%, preferably no more than 10%, 5%, or 1%.

[0043] In the context of this specification, the extent to which filler is released from the fiber matrix is ​​characterized by the degree to which material is released from the fiber during the fiber manufacturing process.

[0044] In the context of this specification, aggregation was measured as follows: a 10cm segment was randomly cut from the fiber, the number of aggregated structures was investigated under a laser microscope, and then scored according to the following criteria. This measurement was repeated 10 times, and the average value was taken.

[0045] No family reunions: 0

[0046] Small group reunions: 2 or fewer

[0047] Medium-sized family reunification: 3-4

[0048] Large-scale reunions: 5 or more.

[0049] In the context of this specification, linear density deviation rate is measured according to GB / T 14343.

[0050] In the context of this specification, the term "distance between two packings" or similar expression means the distance between any point on one packing and any point on the other packing.

[0051] Unless otherwise specified, all percentages, parts, ratios, etc. mentioned in this instruction manual are based on weight, and the pressure is gauge pressure.

[0052] In the context of this specification, where no specific operating conditions or additives are specified, those known in the art are directly applicable without particular limitation.

[0053] In the context of this specification, any two or more embodiments of the present invention can be arbitrarily combined, and the resulting technical solutions are part of the original disclosure of this specification and also fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a type of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber is disclosed. The ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber is generally a monofilament or a filament.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber comprises ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene as a matrix and multi-branched filler (such as whiskers) dispersed in the matrix. According to the present invention, the multi-branched filler, particularly the whiskers, can be commercially available or manufactured according to methods conventionally known in the relevant art, and is not particularly limited except as described below.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the multi-branched filler has a plurality of branched protrusions in its structure. Preferably, the number of branched protrusions is at least two, more preferably two to ten or three to eight. When the number of branched protrusions is too large, the multi-branched filler creates localized mass concentration points in the fiber matrix, resulting in poor linear density uniformity of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers along their length (excessive linear density deviation rate), which may adversely affect processing performance and may lead to insufficient cut resistance. Furthermore, when the number of branched protrusions is too small, the risk of the multi-branched filler detaching from the fiber matrix increases, and cut resistance may also be insufficient.

[0057] According to the present invention, the Mohs hardness of the multi-branched filler is greater than that of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. Therefore, the multi-branched filler is sometimes also referred to as a rigid multi-branched filler.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the plurality of branched protrusions may be identical or different from each other, and their lengths (measured from the root) are each independently 5-2000 μm (preferably 10-300 μm). If the length of the branched protrusions is too short, the fiber's cut resistance may be insufficient, and the risk of the multi-branched filler detaching from the fiber matrix increases. Furthermore, if the length of the branched protrusions is too long, the multi-branched filler creates localized mass concentration points in the fiber matrix, resulting in poor linear density uniformity of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber along its length, which may adversely affect processing performance and may also lead to insufficient cut resistance. Moreover, if the length of the branched protrusions is too long, the multi-branched filler is prone to forming agglomerates in the fiber matrix, which may lead to poor fiber linear density uniformity and affect wearing comfort.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the content of the multi-branched filler is no more than 30 parts by weight (preferably 5-12 parts by weight) relative to 100 parts by weight of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. If the content of the multi-branched filler is too low, the fiber's cut resistance may be insufficient. Furthermore, if the content of the multi-branched filler is too high, the multi-branched filler is prone to forming agglomerates in the fiber matrix, which may lead to poor uniformity of fiber linear density and affect wearing comfort.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the viscosity-average molecular weight of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene is 1 million to 9 million (preferably 3 million to 5 million).

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the plurality of branched protrusions may be the same or different from each other, and each has a diameter (root) of up to 10 μm (preferably 0.05-3 μm).

[0062] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the multi-branched filler is substantially uniformly dispersed in the matrix. In other words, there is essentially no agglomeration structure of the multi-branched filler in the matrix. Here, agglomeration structure refers to a composite structure formed by multiple multi-branched fillers entangled or intertwined together. As a quantitative indicator, the minimum distance between any two adjacent multi-branched fillers in the matrix is ​​greater than 0.1 μm (preferably greater than 5 μm). According to the present invention, when the multi-branched filler forms an agglomeration structure in the fiber matrix, it may lead to a decrease in the uniformity of fiber linear density, affecting wearing comfort.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the multi-branched filler is selected from at least one of inorganic compound whiskers and organic compound whiskers, preferably selected from at least one of inorganic compound whiskers.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inorganic compound is selected from at least one of inorganic oxygen-containing compounds, preferably selected from at least one of metal oxides, metal hydroxides and metal oxyacid salts, particularly selected from at least one of metal oxyacid salts, specifically, for example, selected from at least one of silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium carbonate, basic magnesium sulfate, aluminum borate, magnesium borate, potassium titanate and calcium sulfate.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the organic compound is selected from at least one of organic polymers, preferably selected from at least one of cellulose, polyester, polyamide, and poly(4-hydroxybenzoate) (PHB).

[0066] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferred that the multi-branched filler undergoes surface chemical modification treatment, such as surface chemical modification treatment with a silane coupling agent. Without surface chemical modification treatment, the anchoring effect of the multi-branched filler on the fiber matrix may be poor, the risk of the multi-branched filler detaching from the fiber matrix increases, and the cut resistance may be insufficient.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the silane coupling agent is selected from at least one of aminopropyltriethoxysilane, γ-(glycidoxy)propyltrimethoxysilane, and γ-(methacryloyloxy)propyltrimethoxysilane.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the multi-branched filler is subjected to surface physical modification treatment, such as surface roughening treatment and / or surface polymer coating treatment.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the polymer is selected from at least one of thermoplastic polymers, thermosetting polymers and rubber, and preferably from at least one of cellulose esters, olefin polymers (polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, chlorinated polyethylene, polyisobutylene, etc.), polyesters, polyethers, polyamides, polyacrylates, α-cyanoacrylates, polyvinyl acetals, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers and isocyanates.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the included angle between any two adjacent branched protrusions is greater than 5° (preferably 30-90°). If the included angle is too small, the wetting of the multi-branched filler in the fiber matrix may be insufficient, increasing the risk of the multi-branched filler detaching from the fiber matrix, and also potentially reducing its cut resistance. Conversely, if the included angle is too large, the anchoring effect of the multi-branched filler on the fiber matrix may deteriorate, increasing the risk of the multi-branched filler detaching from the fiber matrix, and also potentially reducing its cut resistance.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fiber has a single filament fineness of at least 0.5 dtex (preferably 0.9-5 dtex, most preferably 1-3 dtex).

[0072] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber is also provided. According to the present invention, the manufacturing method can be used to manufacture the UHMWPE fiber as described above. Therefore, for any content of the manufacturing method not described or elaborated herein, the content given above in this specification regarding the UHMWPE fiber can be directly applied, and will not be repeated here.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method for manufacturing the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber includes the following steps:

[0074] 1) Selectively perform surface chemical modification treatment and / or surface physical modification treatment on multi-branched fillers (such as whiskers) to obtain modified multi-branched fillers.

[0075] 2) Mix the modified multi-branched filler or the multi-branched filler, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and solvent to obtain a spinning solution.

[0076] 3) The spinning solution is spun into the polyethylene fiber.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the present invention, before performing step 1), a step of drying the multi-branched packing is further included.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the drying process includes: a drying temperature of 80-200℃ (preferably 90-120℃) and a drying time of 0.5-10h (preferably 1-4h).

[0079] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the surface chemical modification treatment includes: using a silane coupling agent, wherein the amount of the silane coupling agent is 0.8-5 wt% (preferably 1-3 wt%) of the weight of the multi-branched filler, the treatment temperature is 40-100°C (preferably 70-90°C), and the treatment time is 1-120 min (preferably 5-30 min). Without surface chemical modification treatment, the anchoring effect of the multi-branched filler on the fiber matrix may be poor, the risk of the multi-branched filler detaching from the fiber matrix increases, and the cut resistance may be insufficient.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the surface physical modification treatment includes: surface coating with a polymer, wherein the amount of the polymer (dry basis) is at least 1% wt% (preferably 5-10 wt%) of the weight of the multi-branched filler, the treatment temperature is at least 30°C (preferably 40-60°C), and the treatment time is at least 1 min (preferably 5-10 min).

[0081] According to one embodiment of the present invention, relative to 100 parts by weight of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, the amount of the multi-branched filler or the modified multi-branched filler (based on multi-branched filler) is at most 50 parts by weight (preferably 6-12 parts by weight), and the amount of the solvent is at least 500 parts by weight (preferably 1000-2000 parts by weight).

[0082] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in step 3), the spinning is performed using gel spinning, including swelling at 60-120°C for 1-3 hours, dissolving by screw shearing at a dissolution temperature of 180-250°C, extruding the spinning gel, and then spinning through a spinneret. Preferably, the mixture is kept at 100-200°C and flows through a whisker comb to orient the whiskers in the direction of the spinning solution flow. Furthermore, the initial draw ratio of the spinneret is 3-10, the over-drawing temperature is 80-150°C, and the over-drawing ratio is 6-20 (preferably 8-15).

[0083] The ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber of the present invention can be made into cut-resistant fabrics, including but not limited to at least one of woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, and non-woven fabrics, whose cut resistance reaches level 5 of EN388-2016 standard.

[0084] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fabric further includes at least one other fiber selected from natural plant fibers, natural animal fibers, man-made regenerated fibers, synthetic fibers and inorganic fibers.

[0085] Example

[0086] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0087] Example 1

[0088] The ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber of this embodiment comprises ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene as a matrix and multi-branched filler dispersed in the matrix.

[0089] In this embodiment, the multi-branched filler is a whisker, which is a 1:1 mass mixture of zinc oxide and calcium sulfate. Its surface is treated with γ-(glycidoxy)propyltrimethoxysilane, and it has 4-7 branched protrusions. The length (from the root) of each branched protrusion is between 100-200 μm, the diameter (at the root) is between 0.5-1 μm, and the included angle between any two adjacent branched protrusions is between 40-60 degrees.

[0090] In this embodiment, the whisker content is 8 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. The viscosity-average molecular weight of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene is 4 million.

[0091] In this embodiment, a 10cm ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber was observed using a laser microscope. It was found that the whiskers were basically uniformly dispersed in the matrix, no agglomeration structure of the whiskers was observed in the matrix, and the minimum distance between any two adjacent whiskers in the matrix was greater than 100μm.

[0092] In this embodiment, the single filament fineness of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber was measured to be 2.5 dtex.

[0093] The manufacturing method of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber is as follows.

[0094] The whiskers are treated with the silane coupling agent to produce modified whiskers. Then, the modified whiskers, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), and solvent decahydronaphthalene are mixed to obtain a spinning solution, which is then spun into polyethylene fibers. Before the silane coupling agent treatment, the whiskers are dried at 100°C for 3 hours. The amount of silane coupling agent used is 2 wt% of the whisker weight, the treatment temperature is 80°C, and the treatment time is 20 minutes. During the mixing process, 100 parts by weight of UHMWPE, 9 parts by weight of modified whiskers (based on whisker weight), and 1500 parts by weight of solvent are used. Gel spinning is employed, with a primary draw ratio of 8 at the spinneret, an over-draw temperature of 145°C, and an over-draw ratio of 10. The spinning solution passes through a combing and orientation zone before spinning.

[0095] Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers were coated with spandex and woven into gloves on a 13-needle glove knitting machine for EN388-2016 cut resistance test.

[0096] Example 2

[0097] Compared to Example 1, no silane coupling agent treatment was performed. The monofilament fineness of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber in this example is 2.9 dtex.

[0098] Example 3

[0099] Compared to Example 1, the whiskers are a 1:1:1 mixture of magnesium oxide, borate, and potassium magnesium titanate. Each whisker has 15-20 dendritic protrusions, each with a length (from the root) between 30-120 μm and a diameter (at the root) between 1-2 μm. The monofilament fineness of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber in this example is 2.7 dtex.

[0100] Example 4

[0101] Compared to Example 1, the whiskers are cellulose whiskers with 2-3 dendritic protrusions, each with a length (from the root) between 200-300 μm and a diameter (at the root) between 0.1-0.5 μm. The monofilament fineness of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber in this example is 1.9 dtex.

[0102] Example 5

[0103] Compared to Example 1, the amount of modified whiskers (based on whisker count) used in 100 parts by weight of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene is 40 parts by weight. The monofilament fineness of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber in this example is 2.2 dtex.

[0104] Example 6

[0105] Compared to Example 1, the length of each branching protrusion (measured from the root) is between 1500-2000 μm. The monofilament fineness of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber in this example is 2.3 dtex.

[0106] Example 7

[0107] Compared to Example 1, the diameter (root) of each branching protrusion is between 15-20 μm. The monofilament fineness of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber in this example is 2.2 dtex.

[0108] Example 8

[0109] Compared to Example 1, the included angle between any two adjacent dendritic protrusions is between 120 and 160 degrees. The monofilament fineness of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber in this example is 2.5 dtex.

[0110] Example 9

[0111] Compared to Example 1, the included angle between any two adjacent dendritic protrusions is between 10 and 25 degrees. The monofilament fineness of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber in this example is 2.5 dtex.

[0112] Example 10

[0113] Compared to Example 1, only the surface treatment of the whiskers was changed, using polyacrylate coating. The single filament fineness of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber in this example is 2.5 tex.

[0114] Example 11

[0115] Compared to Example 1, the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber has a draw ratio of 5. The single filament fineness of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber in this example is 1.2 dtex.

[0116] Comparative Example 1

[0117] The fiber used was commercially available Lilun LY25 ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber, which does not contain whiskers. The monofilament fineness of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber in this comparative example is 1.2 dtex.

[0118] Comparative Example 2

[0119] Compared to Example 1, whiskers were not added; instead, glass microspheres with a diameter of 1 μm were used. The monofilament fineness of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber in this comparative example is 1.9 dtex.

[0120] Comparative Example 3

[0121] Compared to Example 1, whiskers were not added; instead, glass fibers were used. These fibers were unbranched, 5 μm in diameter, and had an aspect ratio of 30-50. The monofilament fineness of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers in this comparative example was 1.9 dtex.

[0122] Comparative Example 4

[0123] Compared to Example 1, the length of each branching protrusion (measured from the root) is between 2500 and 3000 μm. The monofilament fineness of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber in this comparative example is 2.3 dtex.

[0124]

Claims

1. An ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber comprising ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene as a matrix and a multi-branched filler dispersed in the matrix, wherein the multi-branched filler has 2-10 branched protrusions in its structure, and the plurality of branched protrusions may be the same or different from each other, each having a length of 10-300 μm independently measured from the root, the included angle between any two adjacent branched protrusions being 30°-90°, the content of the multi-branched filler being 5 to no more than 30 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and the multi-branched filler being surface chemically modified with a silane coupling agent.

2. The fiber of claim 1, wherein the multi-branched filler has 3-8 branched protrusions in its structure.

3. The fiber of claim 1, wherein the content of the multi-branched filler is 5-12 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.

4. The fiber of claim 1, wherein the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene has a viscosity-average molecular weight of 1 million to 9 million.

5. The fiber of claim 1, wherein the plurality of branched protrusions are the same or different from each other, and the diameter of each root is independently 0.05-3 μm.

6. The fiber of claim 1, wherein the multi-branched filler is uniformly dispersed in the matrix, or, the matrix does not contain an agglomeration structure of the multi-branched filler, or, the minimum distance between any two adjacent multi-branched fillers in the matrix is ​​greater than 5 μm.

7. The fiber of claim 1, wherein the multi-branched filler is selected from at least one of inorganic compound whiskers and organic compound whiskers.

8. The fiber of claim 7, wherein the inorganic compound is selected from at least one of metal oxides, metal hydroxides and metal oxyacids, and the organic compound is selected from at least one of organic polymers.

9. The fiber of claim 7, wherein the inorganic compound is selected from at least one of silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium carbonate, basic magnesium sulfate, aluminum borate, magnesium borate, potassium titanate, and calcium sulfate, and the organic compound is selected from at least one of cellulose, polyester, polyamide, and poly4-hydroxybenzoate.

10. The fiber of claim 1, wherein the silane coupling agent is selected from at least one of aminopropyltriethoxysilane, γ-(glycidoxy)propyltrimethoxysilane, and γ-(methacryloyloxy)propyltrimethoxysilane.

11. A method for manufacturing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber according to any one of claims 1-10, comprising the following steps: 1) A modified multi-branched filler is obtained by surface chemical modification with a silane coupling agent, wherein the multi-branched filler has 2-10 branched protrusions in its structure, and the multiple branched protrusions may be the same or different from each other, each having an independent length of 10-300 μm from the root, and the included angle between any two adjacent branched protrusions is 30°-90°. The content of the multi-branched filler is 5 to no more than 30 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. 2) Mix the modified multi-branched filler, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and solvent to obtain the spinning solution. 3) The spinning solution is spun into the polyethylene fiber.

12. The manufacturing method of claim 11, wherein prior to step 1), the method further comprises a step of drying the multi-branched filler, the drying comprising: Reduce pressure, dry at 80-200℃, and dry for 0.5-10 hours.

13. The manufacturing method of claim 11, wherein the surface chemical modification treatment of the silane coupling agent comprises: A silane coupling agent is used, wherein the amount of the silane coupling agent is 0.8-5 wt% of the weight of the multi-branched filler, the treatment temperature is 40-100℃, and the treatment time is 1-120 min.

14. The manufacturing method of claim 11, wherein in step 3), the spinning comprises: In gel spinning, the initial draw ratio of the spinneret is 3-10, the super-drawing temperature is 80-150℃, and the super-drawing ratio is 6-20.

15. A fabric comprising ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers as described in any one of claims 1-10.

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