Spectra® UHMWPE
Spectra® Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber offers an incredible strength-to-weight ratio, abrasion & UV resistance, and moisture repellency. It's the perfect choice for outdoor and demanding industrial applications. Our Spectra® premium fibers outperform most other UHMWPE fibers on the market today
Spectra® fibers from Rocket-Fibers are supplied as a continuous multifilament yarn, precision-wound on cardboard textile tubes for easy handling and seamless processing. Our premium Spectra® is offered in natural and black colors. Contact us today if you have additional color needs.
Our Spectra® fiber is in stock and ready to ship. Purchase individual spools directly through our website, or contact us for competitive pricing on larger volume requirements. Rocket-Fibers also provides value-added fiber processing services, including twisting, braiding, coating, winding, and precision packaging. An optional batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) with complete lot traceability is available for customers requiring full material documentation.
About This Item
Spectra® Physical Properties Guide
Spectra® premium UHMWPE fibers possess exceptional mechanical and physical properties. They boast an extraordinarily high strength-to-weight ratio, making it one of the strongest synthetic fibers available. Spectra® fiber exhibits excellent abrasion resistance and since it is hydrophilic, has nearly zero moisture absorption. Keep in mind that Spectra® fibers do creep more under constant and continual load compared to other high-performance fibers, but their other desirable properties make them a top choice for the most challenging of applications.
Spectra® Resistance Guide
Spectra® UHMWPE premium fibers offer high resistance to corrosive substances, such as most acids, alkalis, and organic solvents, making them valuable in industrial settings where chemical exposure is commonplace. However, Spectra® fibers are not without their shortcomings. They exhibit limited thermal stability, which reduces their performance and longevity at elevated temperatures. While their melting point is approximately 135-147°C, they begin to lose their properties around 100°C. Moreover, Spectra® fibers possess low flame resistance. In a fire or high-heat scenario, they readily melt and burn.
This fiber exhibits poor flame resistance and will melt at 135°C. It is not advisable to use in any application where an open flame is present.
This fiber exhibits poor heat resistance and will melt at 140°C. It is not advisable to use in any application where high heat is present.
Acid: Highly resistant to most acids, maintaining their mechanical properties
Alkali: Withstand exposure to most alkalis with minimal degradation
Organic Solvent: Generally compatible with a variety of organic solvents
Continuous Operating Temperature Range (°C): -150 to 70
Short Term Exposure (°C): 100
Melting Temp (°C):140 - 152
Spectra® Technical Specifications
| Denier | 200 | 400 | 800 | 1600 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Properties | Natural | Black | Natural | Black | Natural | Natural | Black |
| Type | S1000 | S1000 | S1000 | S1000 | S1000 | S1000 | S1000 |
| Tenacity (g/den) | 38.4 | 33.7 | 37.3 | 32.8 | 35.0 | 37.2 | 35.0 |
| Break Strength (lbf) | 17.7 | 15.0 | 33.3 | 29.8 | 61.7 | 132.9 | 123.5 |
| Chord Modulus (g/den) | 1280 | 1237 | 1213 | 1208 | 1100 | 1167 | 1086 |
| Elongation (%) | ~3.7 | ~3.5 | ~3.5 | ~3.5 | ~3.5 | ~3.5 | ~3.5 |
| Finish Oil Content (%) | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.3 | N/A |
| Filament Count | 80 | 80 | 160 | 160 | 240 | 480 | 320 |
| Filament Size (dpf) | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 3.3 | 3.3 | 5.0 |
| Yield (lb/1000 ft) | 0.015 | 0.015 | 0.030 | 0.030 | 0.060 | 0.120 | 0.120 |
| Yield (ft/lb) | 66,660 | 66,660 | 33,330 | 33,330 | 16,660 | 8,330 | 8,330 |
| Diameter (mm) | 0.190 | 0.190 | 0.268 | 0.268 | 0.380 | 0.537 | 0.537 |
Values are typical, not minimums, and are subject to normal production variation.
Spectra® Performance Highlights
- High Strength: UHMWPE fibers possess high tensile strength, making them one of the strongest fibers available, even stronger than steel.
- Very Lightweight: UHMWPE fibers are extremely lightweight, and even float in water.
- High modulus: UHMWPE fibers have a high modulus of elasticity, providing excellent stiffness and dimensional stability.
- Abrasion resistance: These fibers offer exceptional resistance to abrasion, ensuring durability and longevity in demanding applications.
- Chemical resistance: UHMWPE fibers exhibit excellent resistance to chemicals, including acids and solvents, making them suitable for corrosive environments.
- Low moisture absorption: UHMWPE fibers have low moisture absorption, allowing them to maintain their properties even in wet conditions.
- UV resistance: UHMWPE fibers have inherent resistance to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, making them suitable for outdoor applications without significant degradation over time.
- Good fatigue resistance: UHMWPE fibers show excellent resistance to fatigue, maintaining their performance under repeated loading cycles.
Spectra® UHMWPE Properties Table
The table below represents the nominal mechanical properties of Spectra® premium fibers for industrial applications
| Property | Unit Of Measure | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Tenacity | g/d | 32.0 - 39.0 |
| Tensile Modulus | g/d | 1000 - 1300 |
| Specific Gravity | ratio | 0.97 |
| Avg. Elongation | % | 3.4 |
| Moisture Regain1 | % | < 0.1 |
| Melt Point | °C | 135-147 |
| Decomposition Temp | °C | Melts |
| Creep2 | % | 1.7-5.0 |
| Shrinkage3 | % | Melts |
1 Equilibrium moisture regain @ 55% RH
2 Creep @ 40%-58% ultimate tensile strength
3 Shrinkage in dry air @ 177°C for 30 minuteshttps://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0711/6288/8512/files/Kevlar_Cord-1.pdf?v=1691719313
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