NOTICE: Due to a lapse in annual appropriations, most of this website is not being updated. Learn more.
Form submissions will still be accepted but will not receive responses at this time. Sections of this site for programs using non-appropriated funds (such as NVLAP) or those that are excepted from the shutdown (such as CHIPS and NVD) will continue to be updated.
An official website of the United States government
Here’s how you know
Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Amanda L. Forster, Aaron M. Forster, Joannie W. Chin, Chiao-Chi Lin, Sylvain H. Petit, Kai-Li Kang, Nicholas G. Paulter Jr., Michael A. Riley, Kirk D. Rice
Abstract
The superior performance of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fi bers is predicated on the development of a highly aligned molecular structure that allows the polymer to exhibit a superior strength in the axial direction of the fi ber. Body armor manufacturers have exploited the inherent strength of these materials, in addition to novel armor design, to develop body armor that continues to defeat ever-increasing threats. However, even an ideal molecular structure will be subjected to a potentially oxidative environment during use, which can reduce the high strength of these fibers, and impact their ability to protect the wearer. In this work, the long term stability of UHMWPE fibers, which are known to undergo a thermooxidative mechanism of degradation, are investigated and the activation energy for this mechanism was calculated. Changes in chemical properties of this material due to aging are also studied.
Forster, A.
, Forster, A.
, Chin, J.
, Lin, C.
, Petit, S.
, Kang, K.
, Paulter, N.
, Riley, M.
and Rice, K.
(2015),
Long-Term Stability of UHMWPE Fibers, Polymer Degradation and Stability, [online], https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2015.0
(Accessed October 10, 2025)