| Abstract: | A method for determining the melt viscosity and molecular weight of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is described. The method, based on squeeze flow, was used to characterize seventeen UHM W-PE samples varying in molecular weight from 0.6 × 106 to 5.1 × 106 and in viscosity from 2.9 × 106 to 3.4 × 109 poise. A correlation between melt viscosity and molecular weight was demonstrated, but the reliability of a molecular weight determination decreased somewhat as molecular weight increased. As a predictor of melt processability, the method provides the speed and simplicity heretofore lacking in UHMW-PE characterization by solution viscosity while retaining high reproducibility. |
