Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene membranes and their applications in trash bags and other hydrophobic articles

Abstract

Membranes prepared from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) are provided. These membranes can be used to make single layer rip-resistant articles such as plastic bags, tarps, rain ponchos, and rain jackets for applications such as trash collection and rain protection.

Description

ULTRA-HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT POLYETHYLENE MEMBRANES ANDTHEIR APPLICATIONS IN TRASH BAGS AND OTHER HYDROPHOBIC ARTICLESBACKGROUNDTechnical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the use of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) extruded or electrospun membranes in garbage bags and other single layer plastic articles such as rain ponchos, rain jackets or tarps for the purpose of increased durability.Description of the Related Art

[0002] Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) membranes, produced from polyethylene resins of ultra-high molecular weight, exhibit high performance tensile properties, including high tenacity, tensile modulus, and energy-to-break. The UHMWPE membranes are also highly hydrophobic, providing numerous beneficial properties due to their hydrophobic nature.

[0003] Traditional plastic bags made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or high- density polyethylene (HDPE) are produced using a process that extrudes the polymer into the desired shape then winds the finished material onto a roll. While this process produces film-like plastic bags suitable for a variety of applications; the resulting products are prone to tearing or puncturing by weight or sharp edges during use.

[0004] For applications such as trash containment, plastic bags, or rain protection, it is desirable to have durability and hydrophobic qualities. In such applications, the material should be flexible, pliable, soft, and resistant to cut and abrasion. There remains a need for commercially viable plastic bags and plastic tubes that address the shortcomings of existing materials.

[0005] Additionally, membranes are also generally restricted in terms of color, typically extruded or spun in white. Developing new methods to expand color options or improve dyeability would be beneficial.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] In one aspect, an article comprising or consisting of a membrane comprising ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is provided. In some embodiments, the membrane is constructed into a tube that is closed at a bottom end thereof. In some embodiments, the tube is closed at a top end thereof. In some embodiments, the membrane is non-white. In some embodiments, the article has multiple layers that are fabricated to create a single membrane without a secondary lamination or adhesion step. In some embodiments, the membrane is formed of a single layer of UHMWPE. In some embodiments, the membrane has multiple layers with one layer being a UHMWPE layer and a second layer of another dyeable polymer such as nylon. In some embodiments, the article formed is for trash containment, such as a trash bag. In some embodiments, the article formed is a rain poncho. In some embodiments, the membrane has a thickness ranging from 0.1 pm to 5000 pm. In some embodiments, the membrane has a thickness ranging from 0.1 pm to 3000 pm. In some embodiments, the membrane has a thickness ranging from 0.1 pm to 1000 pm. In some embodiments, the membrane has a thickness ranging from 0.1 pm to 500 pm. In some embodiments, the membrane has a thickness ranging from 1 pm to 200 pm. In some embodiments, the membrane has a thickness ranging from 1 pm to 100 pm. In some embodiments, the membrane has a thickness ranging from 1 pm and 50 pm. In some embodiments, the membrane has a thickness ranging from 5 pm and 20 pm. In some embodiments, the membrane comprises a sustainable UHMWPE. In some embodiments, the sustainable UHMWPE is derived from a bioethanol. In some embodiments, the bioethanol is produced from a biomass comprising sugarcane, rice, wheat, barley, potato, com, vegetable oil, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the membrane has a porosity ranging from 20% to 90%. In some embodiments, the membrane has a porosity ranging from 50% to 80%. In some embodiments, the membrane has pores with pore sizes ranging from 0.1 pm to 30 pm. In some embodiments, the article comprises or consists of the membrane laminated to a knit or woven textile comprising cotton, nylon, polyester, acrylic, UHMWPE, wool, linen, hemp, elastane, polyurethane, or combinations thereof.

[0007] In another aspect, a method of forming an article comprising or consisting of a membrane comprising ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is provided. In some embodiments, the method includes forming a solution comprising UHMWPE and a solvent, passing the UHMWPE solution through a form to produce a solution film, cooling the solution film to form a gel film, and removing the processing solvent to form a substantiallysolvent-free solid film, drawing the solvent-free solid film along at least one direction to produce the membrane, and fabricating the article with the membrane. In some embodiments, the method includes forming the membrane by extruding a solution comprising UHMWPE and fabricating the article with the membrane. In some embodiments, the UHMWPE is pigmented prior to being formed into the membrane. In some embodiments, the membrane is colored using supercritical CO2. In some embodiments, the form for forming the membrane is a die, an extruder or an electrospinner. In some embodiments, the membrane is a tube formed by extruding the UHMWPE solution through a round die and blowing the extruded UHMWPE solution into a tube. In some embodiments, the membrane is a sheet formed by extruding the UHMWPE solution into a ribbon and attaching multiple ribbons. In some embodiments, the membrane is produced using a sequential biaxial stretch process. In some embodiments, the membrane is produced using a simultaneous biaxial stretch process.

[0008] In some embodiments, the method includes forming a solution comprising UHMWPE into a membrane through the process of electrospinning. In some embodiments, the UHMWPE is pigmented prior to passing through the extrusion or electrospinning process form. In some embodiments, the UHMWPE is layered with a dyeable polymer such as nylon on the top or on the top and bottom in the spinning, extrusion or electrospinning process to create a dyeable membrane. In some embodiments, the membrane comprises a sustainable UHMWPE produced by a process comprising the steps of obtaining sugar or derivatives thereof from a biomass, fermenting the sugar or derivatives thereof to produce a bioethanol, contacting the bioethanol with a catalyst to dehydrate the bioethanol to produce ethylene, and polymerizing ethylene to form the sustainable UHMWPE.

[0009] In yet another aspect, a film or membrane comprising UHMWPE is provided. In some embodiments, the film or membrane is produced using a sequential biaxial stretch process. In some embodiments, the film or membrane is produced using a simultaneous biaxial stretch process. In some embodiments, the film or membrane has a porosity ranging from 20% to 90%. In some embodiments, the film or membrane has a porosity ranging from 50% to 80%. In some embodiments, the film or membrane has pores with pore sizes ranging from 0.1 pm to 30 pm. In some embodiments, the film or membrane is constructed into a tube, and the tube is closed at a bottom thereof. In some embodiments, the tube is further closed at a top thereof. In some embodiments, the film or membrane has a thickness ranging from 0.1 pm to 5000 pm. In some embodiments, the film or membrane has a thickness ranging from 0.1 pm to 3000 pm. In some embodiments, the film or membrane has a thickness ranging from 0.1 pm to 500 pm. In someembodiments, the film or membrane has a thickness ranging from 1 gm to 200 gm. In some embodiments, the film or membrane has a thickness from 1 gm to 100 gm. In some embodiments, the film or membrane has a thickness ranging from 1 gm to 50 gm. In some embodiments, the film or membrane has a thickness ranging from 5 gm to 20 gm. In some embodiments, the film or membrane is non-white. In some embodiments, the UHMWPE is pigmented prior to making into the film or membrane. In some embodiments, the UHMWPE is colored using supercritical CO2. In some embodiments, the film or membrane is a tube which is extruded through a round die and then blown into a tube. In some embodiments, the film or membrane a plastic sheet, is extruded into a ribbon that is then formed into a final product by attaching multiple sheets. In some embodiments, the film or membrane consists of a single layer of UHMWPE, unbonded to any other materials. In some embodiments, the film or membrane consists of a single layer of UHMWPE, unbonded to any other materials for the purpose of trash containment. In some embodiments, the film or membrane consists of a single layer of UHMWPE, unbonded to any other materials for the purpose of protection from rain. In some embodiments, the film or membrane consists of a single layer of UHMWPE laminated to a knit or woven textile comprising cotton, nylon, polyester, acrylic, UHMWPE, wool, linen, hemp, elastane, polyurethane or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the UHMWPE is a sustainable UHMWPE. In some embodiments, the sustainable UHMWPE is derived from bioethanol. In some embodiments, the bioethanol is produced from a biomass comprising sugarcane, rice, wheat, barley, potato, corn, vegetable oil, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the sustainable UHMWPE film is produced by a process comprising: obtaining sugar or derivatives thereof from the biomass; fermenting the sugar or derivatives thereof to produce the bioethanol; contacting the bioethanol with a catalyst to dehydrate the bioethanol to produce ethylene; and reacting ethylene to form the sustainable UHMWPE.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed between the first and second features,such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and / or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or configurations discussed.

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to the use of membranes and films comprising UHMWPE in plastic bags, sheets and rain protection, used for a variety of purposes, formed through a multi-step process designed to increase the strength of the end material.

[0012] In one aspect, membranes comprising UHMWPE and articles comprising or consisting of a membrane comprising UHMWPE are provided.

[0013] The UHMWPE is a polyethylene polymer having a weight-average molecular weight greater than 100 kDa. The weight-average molecular weight can be determined by known methods, for example, by gel permeation chromatography or light scattering. The UHMWPE can be either a homopolymer of ethylene or a copolymer of ethylene with minor amounts (e.g., at most 5 mol%) of one or more other alkenes, such as propylene, butene, pentene, hexene, 4-methyl-pentene-l, octene, etc.

[0014] The membrane may have a thickness between 0.1 micrometers (pm) and 3000 pm, between 0.1 pm and 1000 pm, between 0.1 pm and 500 pm, between 1 pm and 200 pm, between 1 pm and 100 pm, between 1 pm and 50 pm, between 5 pm and 20 pm. In some embodiments, the UHMWPE membrane has a thickness about 11 pm, 15 pm, or 50 pm.

[0015] In some embodiments, the membrane is white. In some embodiments, the UHMWPE membrane is non-white due to being pigmented, being layered with a dyeable polymer such as nylon, or dyed using supercritical CO2.

[0016] In some embodiments, the article comprises or consists of a single membrane that is unbonded to any other layers of materials. In some embodiments, the article comprises or consists of a single membrane made up of a UHMWPE layer. In some embodiments, the article comprises or consists of a single membrane made up of multiple polymer layers including a UHMWPE layer, unbonded to any other layers of materials. In some embodiments, the article comprises multiple membranes comprising UHMWPE. The article may be used for various applications, for instance as a plastic bag, a trash container, a rain poncho, a rain jacket, or a tarp for protection from rain. In some embodiments, the article is a plastic bag with a membrane containing UHMWPE constructed into a tube. In some embodiments, the tube is opened at one end and closed at the other. In some embodiments, the open end is at the top of the tube, and thebottom of the tube is closed. In some other embodiments, both the top and bottom of the tube are closed. In some other embodiments, sheets of membrane are attached to form the designed shape for the final article. In some embodiments, the plastic bag is a trash bag.

[0017] In one aspect, a method for forming membranes comprising or consisting of UHMWPE is provided. In some embodiments, the membranes of the present disclosure are prepared using a solvent-based process. In some embodiments, the solvent-based process comprises the steps of: a) forming a UHMWPE solution, b) passing the UHMWPE solution through a form to produce a solution film, c) cooling the solution film to form a gel film, d) removing the processing solvent to form a substantially solvent-free solid film, and e) drawing the film through an oven either in one direction or bi-directionally to produce a membrane. In some embodiments, the solvent-based process involves electrospinning. In some other embodiments, the solvent-based process involves extrusion.

[0018] The UHMWPE solution is formed by first mixing UHMWPE powders, UHMWPE resins, or UHMWPE particles with a processing solvent. In some embodiments, after the formation of the liquid mixture of UHMWPE and solvent, the liquid mixture is passed through a heated extruder to produce the UHMWPE solution. In some embodiments, the extrusion head used to produce the film is either round, using air blown through the center to produce a bubble, or narrow, producing a thin ribbon. In some embodiments, the extruder is heated at a temperature between about 100 °C and about 300 °C, causing the UHMWPE to swell and dissolve in the solvent.

[0019] The processing solvent can be any solvent that is essentially non-volatile and solubilizes the UHMWPE powders. In some embodiments, the processing solvent is a hydrocarbon that has a boiling point over 100 °C. Exemplary processing solvents include, but are not limited to, decalin, tetralin, BTX (benzene toluene and xylene), xylene such as p-xylene, toluene, naphthalene, di chlorobenzene, trichlorobenzene, a C9-C12 alkane such as dodecane, undecane, decane, nonane, or octene, a mineral oil such as paraffin oil, paraffinic wax, kerosene, and their mixtures. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the solution is formed through the use of mineral oil as the processing solvent mixed with UHMWPE powder with a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) ranging from about 300 kDa to about 7,000 kDa.

[0020] In some embodiments, the UHMWPE particles may have an average particle size of up to about 1000 pm, up to about 2000 pm, or up to about 5000 pm. In some embodiments, the UHMWPE particles have an average particle size ranging from about 100 pm to about 200 pm. In such an example, up to about, or at least about 90% of the UHMWPE particles have aparticle size that is within 40 pm of the average UHMWPE particle size. In other words, up to about, or at least about 90% of the UHMWPE particles have a particle size that is equal to the average particle size plus or minus 40 pm. In another example, about 75 wt% to about 100 wt% of the UHMWPE particles utilized can have a particle size of from about 100 pm to about 400 pm, and preferably about wt% to about 100 wt% of the UHMWPE particles have a particle size of from about 120 pm to about 350 pm. Additionally, the particle size can be distributed in a substantially Gaussian curve of particle sizes centered at about 125 pm to about 200 pm.

[0021] The UHMWPE content in the solution may vary. In some embodiments, the content of the UHMWPE in the solution is from 0.4 wt% to 80 wt%. In some embodiments, the UHMWPE solution contains UHMWPE in an amount between about 0.5 wt% and about 70 wt%, between about 1 wt% and about 50 wt%, between about 1 wt% and about 20 wt%%, between about 3 wt% and about 12 wt%, between about 4 wt% and about 10 wt%, between about 5 wt% and about 9 wt%, or between about 6 wt% and about 8 wt%.

[0022] In some embodiments, the UHMWPE solution further includes a lubricant. A lubricant is a compound that, when added to a UHMWPE solution, improves the processability of the UHMWPE solution. Improved processability refers to a reduction in fusion time, i.e., the time it takes the UHMWPE resin to melt or dissolve into a flowable solution. Improved processability is also seen as a reduction in energy consumption by the extruder and as a reduction in mixture temperature when comparing to the mixtures with and without the lubricant. Exemplary lubricants include, but are not limited to, fatty acid esters, ethoxylated fatty acid esters, glycol esters, PEG esters, glycerol esters, ethoxylated esters, sorbitol esters, ethoxylated sorbitol esters, aromatic ethoxylates, alcohol ethoxylates, mercaptan ethoxylates, modified ethoxylates, amide surfactants, phosphate esters, phosphonate esters, phosphite esters, alkyl sulfates, fatty acid ethers, alkyl ether sulfates, alkylaryl ether sulfates, sulfonates, naphthalene sulfonates, sulfosuccinates, sulfonated esters, sulfonated amides, alkyl ether carboxylates, alkylaryl ether carboxylates, quaternary amines, amino quaternary amines, ethoxylated amines, imidazoline derivatives, betaines, sultaines, aminopropionate, catechol derivatives, saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and combinations thereof.

[0023] In some embodiments, the film-forming step b) is carried out at a processing temperature below the boiling point of the processing solvent. In some embodiments, the processing temperature is between about 150 °C and about 250 °C. In case of paraffin as the processing solvent, the processing temperature is below about 220 °C, such as between about 130°C and about 240 °C, between about 130 °C and about 230 °C, or between about 130 °C and about 220 °C.

[0024] The UHMWPE solution is converted into a film comprising or consisting of the processing solution (also referred to as solution film). This can be effected in various ways, for instance, by spinning using a spinneret with a very wide, slit-shaped die, by extruding, or by casting onto a roll or belt. In some embodiments, the UHMWPE solution is extruded through a round spinneret and then blown into a tube. In some embodiments, the UHMWPE solution is extruded into a ribbon. In some embodiments, the multiple ribbons are attached to form a sheet. In some embodiments, the UHMWPE solution is electrospun.

[0025] In some embodiments, during and / or after processing of the UHMWPE solution into the solution film, the temperature is reduced to such an extent that gelling occurs in the film, resulting in a gel film that is sufficiently strong and stable for further processing. In some embodiments, the solution film obtained from the film forming step b) is cooled to a temperature below the gel point of the UHMWPE to form the gel film. In some embodiments, the cooling of the solution film is carried out by quenching the solution film in a liquid quench bath. The liquid in the liquid quench bath includes, but not limited to, water, ethylene glycol, ethanol, isopropanol, and a water-soluble anti-freezer. The temperature of the liquid quench bath is from about -35 °C to about 35 °C.

[0026] In some embodiments, the gel film may be drawn at a draw ratio of from about 1.1 :1 to about 30: 1. In some embodiments, drawing the gel film is accomplished by passing the gel film through a set of rollers, and in others it is stretched by holding the material and pulling either in one or two directions. In some embodiments, the film is drawn in a first direction by passing the gel film through a set of rollers, and the film is subsequently drawn in a second direction using grips to pull the film in the second direction. In some embodiments, the gel film is simultaneously drawn in two directions using a combination of rollers and grips. In some embodiments, the drawing processes take place in an oven at a temperature ranging from 100 °C to 250 °C.

[0027] In some embodiments, the processing solvent in the gel film obtained from the cooling step c) is extracted using an extraction solvent to form a substantially solvent-free dry film. The extraction solvent is a low boiling point solvent including, but not limited to, benzene, hexane, pentane, a chlorofluorocarbon such as tri chloroethane or trifluoroethane, and a supercritical liquid such as supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2), dinitrogen oxide, ammonia, ethane, or propane.

[0028] In some embodiments, the gel film may be subject to heat or reduced pressure to promote evaporation of the processing solvent. For example, a heated gas may be passed through the gel film to facilitate solvent evaporation.

[0029] In some embodiments, after the processing solvent has been removed from the gel film, the resulting dry film may be subjected to a stretching treatment in one or more directions. The stretch operation further enhances the tensile strength and modulus of the membrane containing UHMWPE.

[0030] In some embodiments, the drawing and extraction processes generate porosity in the UHMWPE film. The porosity allows the transmission of moisture vapor while resisting the penetration of liquid water. In some embodiments, the film has a porosity ranging from 20% to 90%. In some embodiments, the porosity is from 50% to 80%. In some embodiments, the pores have pore sizes ranging from 0.1 pm to 30 micrometers pm.

[0031] The membrane made using UHMWPE according to the method of the present disclosure possessed excellent physical and mechanical properties. For example, the UHMWPE membrane of the present application is light-weight, thin, and ready for use in plastic bags for things like trash containment. Compared to LDPE or HDPE bags, the resulting UHMWPE bag has a much higher breaking force.

[0032] In some embodiments, the film / membrane is laminated to a knit or woven textile for use in water repellent or waterproof garments. The knit or woven textile may consist of cotton, nylon, polyester, viscose, UHMWPE, elastane, or other suitable materials. The textile may comprise a single material or a blend of multiple materials. The lamination process may include a gravure roll, flat bed lamination, powder dot dispensing, powder scattering, adhesive web, spray coating, or other adhesive application process. The adhesive may be acrylic-based, urethane-based, polyamide-based, polyethylene-based, or any other suitable chemistry.

[0033] In some embodiments, the membrane containing UHMWPE is formed from a sustainable UHMWPE. The term “sustainable UHMWPE” refers to UHMWPE formed by polymerizing ethylene derived from biological sources or other sustainable sources such as landfill methane or biomethane, or from recycled UHMWPE or other non-solely fossil fuel derived sources. In some embodiments, ethylene is obtained from biologically sourced ethanol, known as bioethanol. In some embodiments, the bioethanol is obtained by the fermentation of sugars (including starch and cellulose) derived from renewable biomass sources. The biomass sources include sugarcane, rice, wheat, barley, potato, com, vegetable oil, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, UHMWPE is entirely based on bioethanol. In other embodiments, ethylene isobtained from methanotrophic bacteria which consume methane (from landfills, biomass, or farm animal emissions) and produce ethylene.

[0034] In some embodiments, the sustainable UHMWPE is produced by a process comprising the steps of obtaining sugar or derivatives thereof from the biomass, fermenting the sugar or derivatives thereof to produce the bioethanol, contacting the bioethanol with a catalyst to dehydrate the bioethanol to produce ethylene, and reacting ethylene to form the sustainable UHMWPE.

[0035] In some embodiments, the sustainable UHMWPE is produced by recycling used UHMWPE membranes. For example, the used membranes containing UHMWPE may be redissolved in the processing solution, from which the membranes of the present disclosure can be produced by performing steps (a)-(e) described above. In other embodiments, the sustainable UHMWPE can be produced by recycling or combining excess UHMWPE powders, UHMWPE resins, or UHMWPE particles.

[0036] In still another aspect, a colored membrane containing UHMWPE is produced. In some embodiments, the colored membrane can be produced by adding pigments into the UHMWPE solution used in the extrusion process. In some embodiments, the membrane is colored through the use of super-critical CO2 after the drawing step (e) or after electrospinning has been completed. In some embodiments, the extrusion or electrospinning process incorporates UHMWPE polymer with a dyeable polymer, such as nylon, to produce a membrane that can be dyed through traditional dyeing methods.EXAMPLES

[0037] The following examples are given for the purpose of illustrating various embodiments of the invention and are not meant to limit the present disclosure in any fashion. The present examples, along with the methods described herein are presently representative of some embodiments, are exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention. Changes therein and other uses which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention as defined by the scope of the claims will occur to those skilled in the art.EXAMPLE 1

[0038] An 11 pm thick plastic bag was formed using a black UHMWPE-containing membrane tube, open at the top and closed at the bottom, and sealed using heat and pressure.The resulting plastic bag possesses the cut / tear resistant, odor resistant, anti-microbial properties of UHMWPE. No other materials were used to form the bag.EXAMPLE 2

[0039] A 15 pm thick rain poncho was formed using a UHMWPE-containing membrane tube sealed at the top using heat and pressure, with holes cut in it for the head and arms. The resulting rain poncho possesses the cut / tear resistant properties along with being water-repellant. No other materials were layered or used to form the hydrophobic layer.EXAMPLE 3

[0040] A 50 pm thick tarp was formed using a LTHMWPE-containing membrane. The resulting tarp possesses the cut / tear resistant properties along with being water-repellant. The tarp was formed from a single layer of UHMWPE membrane.EXAMPLE 4

[0041] A 20 pm thick rain jacket was formed using a membrane consisting of a first layer of UHMWPE and a second layer of nylon. The resulting rain jacket possesses the cut / tear resistant properties along with being water-repellant and porous. The rain jacket was formed from a single layer of membrane unbonded with other textiles.

[0042] The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and / or listed in the Application Data Sheet, including U.S. provisional patent application Serial No. 63 / 554,641, filed February 16, 2024, are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments.

[0043] These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the abovedetailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An article comprising or consisting of a membrane comprising ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).

2. The article of claim 1, wherein the membrane is constructed into a tube that is closed at a bottom end thereof.

3. The article of claim 2, wherein the tube is further closed at a top end thereof.

4. The article of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the membrane is non-white.

5. The article of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the article comprises or consists of the membrane, unbonded to any other layers of materials, wherein the membrane consists of a single layer of UHMWPE.

6. The article of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the article comprises or consists of the membrane, unbonded to any other layers of materials, wherein the membrane has multiple layers with one layer being a UHMWPE layer.

7. The article of claim 6, wherein the multiple layers comprise a second layer of a dyeable polymer.

8. The article of claim 7, wherein the dyeable polymer comprises nylon.

9. The article of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the article is a trash containment.

10. The article of claim 9, wherein the trash containment is a trash bag.

11. The article of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the article is a tarp, a rain poncho or rain jacket.

12. The article of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the membrane has a thickness ranging from 0.1 gm to 3000 gm.

13. The article of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the membrane has a thickness ranging from 0.1 gm to 1000 gm.

14. The article of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the membrane has a thickness ranging from 0.1 gm to 500 gm.

15. The article of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the membrane has a thickness ranging from 1 gm to 200 gm.

16. The article of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the membrane has a thickness ranging from 1 gm to 100 gm.

17. The article of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the membrane has a thickness ranging from 1 gm to 50 gm.

18. The article of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the membrane has a thickness ranging from 5 gm to 20.

19. The article of any one of claims 1-18, wherein the membrane comprises a sustainable UHMWPE.

20. The article of claim 19, wherein the sustainable UHMWPE is derived from a bioethanol.

21. The article of claim 20, wherein the bioethanol is produced from a biomass comprising sugarcane, rice, wheat, barley, potato, com, vegetable oil, or combinations thereof.

22. The article of any one of claims 1-21, wherein the membrane has a porosity ranging from 20% to 90%.

23. The article of any one of claims 1-21, wherein the membrane has a porosity ranging from 50% to 80%.

24. The article of any one of claims 1-23, wherein the membrane has pores with pore sizes ranging from 0.1 pm to 30 pm.

25. The article of any one of claims 1-24, wherein the article comprises or consists of the membrane is laminated to a knit or woven textile comprising cotton, nylon, polyester, acrylic, UHMWPE, wool, linen, hemp, elastane, polyurethane, or combinations thereof.

26. A method of forming an article comprising or consisting of a membrane comprising or consisting of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), the method comprising: forming a solution comprising UHMWPE and a solvent; passing the solution through a form to produce a solution film; cooling the solution film to form a gel film; removing the solvent to afford a substantially solvent-free solid film; drawing the solvent-free solid film along at least one direction to produce the membrane; and fabricating the article with the membrane.

27. A method of forming an article comprising or consisting of a membrane comprising ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), the method comprising: forming the membrane by electrospinning or extruding a solution comprising UHMWPE; and fabricating the article with the membrane.

28. The method of any one of claims 26-27, wherein the UHMWPE is pigmented prior to being formed into the membrane.

29. The method of any one of claims 26-28, wherein the membrane is colored using supercritical CO2.

30. The method of any one of claims 26-29, wherein the form is a die, an extruder or an electrospinner.

31. The method of any one of claims 26-30, wherein the membrane is a tube formed by extruding the UHMWPE solution through a round die and blowing the extruded UHMWPE solution into a tube.

32. The method of any one of claims 26-30, wherein the membrane is a sheet, formed by extruding the UHMWPE solution into a ribbon and attaching multiple ribbons.

33. The method of any one claims 26-30, wherein the membrane is a dyeable membrane formed by extruding the UHMWPE solution with a dyeable polymer on a top or on both a top and a bottom of the UHMWPE layer.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the dyeable polymer comprises nylon.

35. The method of any one of claims 26-34, wherein the membrane is produced using a sequential biaxial stretch process.

36. The method of any one of claims 26-35, wherein the membrane is produced using a simultaneous biaxial stretch process.

37. The method of any one of claims 26-36, wherein the membrane comprises a sustainable UHMWPE produced by a process comprising: obtaining sugar or derivatives thereof from a biomass; fermenting the sugar or derivatives thereof to produce a bioethanol; contacting the bioethanol with a catalyst to dehydrate the bioethanol to produce ethylene; and polymerizing ethylene to form the sustainable UHMWPE.

38. A film or membrane comprising ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).

39. The film or membrane of claim 38, wherein the film or membrane is produced using a sequential biaxial stretch process.

40. The film or membrane of claim 38, wherein the film or membrane is produced using a simultaneous biaxial stretch process.

41. The film or membrane of any one of claims 38-40, wherein the film or membrane has a porosity ranging from 20% to 90%.

42. The film or membrane of any one of claims 38-40, wherein the film or membrane has a porosity ranging from 50% to 80%.

43. The film or membrane of any one of claims 38-40, wherein the film or membrane has pores with pore sizes ranging from 0.1 pm to 30 pm.

44. The film or membrane of any one of claims 38-43, wherein the film or membrane is constructed into a tube, wherein the tube is closed at a bottom thereof.

45. The film or membrane of claim 44, wherein the tube is further closed at a top thereof.

46. The film or membrane of any one of claims 38-45, wherein the film or membrane has a thickness ranging from 0.1 pm to 5000 pm.

47. The film or membrane of any one of claims 38-45, wherein the film or membrane has a thickness ranging from 0.1 pm to 3000 pm.

48. The film or membrane of any one of claims 38-45, wherein the film or membrane has a thickness ranging from 0.1 pm to 500 pm.

49. The film or membrane of any one of claims 38-45, wherein the film or membrane has a thickness ranging from 1 pm to 200 pm.

50. The film or membrane of any one of claims 38-45, wherein the film or membrane has a thickness from 1 pm to 100 pm.

51. The film or membrane of any one of claims 38-45, wherein the film or membrane has a thickness ranging from 1 gm to 50 gm.

52. The film or membrane of any one of claims 38-45, wherein the film or membrane has a thickness ranging from 5 gm to 20 gm.

53. The film or membrane of any one of claims 38-45, wherein the film or membrane is non- white.

54. The film or membrane of claim 53, wherein the UHMWPE is pigmented prior to making into the film or membrane.

55. The film or membrane in claim 54, wherein the UHMWPE is colored using supercritical CO2.

56. The film or membrane of any one of claims 38-55, wherein the film or membrane is a tube which is extruded through a round die and then blown into a tube.

57. The film or membrane of any one of claims 38-56, wherein the film or membrane a plastic sheet, is extruded into a ribbon that is then formed into a final product by attaching multiple sheets.

58. The film or membrane of any one of claims 38-56, wherein the film or membrane consists of a single layer of UHMWPE, unbonded to any other materials.

59. The film or membrane of any one of claims 38-56, wherein the film or membrane consists of a single layer of UHMWPE, unbonded to any other materials for the purpose of trash containment.

60. The film or membrane of any one of claims 38-56, wherein the film or membrane consists of a single layer of UHMWPE, unbonded to any other materials for the purpose of protection from rain.

61. The film or membrane of any one of claims 38-56, wherein the film or membrane consists of a single layer of UHMWPE laminated to a knit or woven textile comprising cotton, nylon, polyester, acrylic, UHMWPE, wool, linen, hemp, elastane, polyurethane or combinations thereof.

62. The film or membrane of any one of claims 38-61, wherein the UHMWPE is a sustainable UHMWPE.

63. The film or membrane of claim 62, wherein the sustainable UHMWPE is derived from bioethanol.

64. The film or membrane of claim 63, wherein the bioethanol is produced from a biomass comprising sugarcane, rice, wheat, barley, potato, corn, vegetable oil, or combinations thereof.

65. The film or membrane of any one of claims 62-64, wherein the sustainable UHMWPE film is produced by a process comprising: obtaining sugar or derivatives thereof from the biomass; fermenting the sugar or derivatives thereof to produce the bioethanol; contacting the bioethanol with a catalyst to dehydrate the bioethanol to produce ethylene; and reacting ethylene to form the sustainable UHMWPE.