In the past, ultra-high-strength polyethylene (UHPE) fibers were developed and controlled by only two countries—Netherlands and the United States—each holding their own independent intellectual property. Globally, annual production was limited to just 8,000 tons, making it a rare and highly valuable material. Now, China has joined this exclusive group as the third country to produce UHPE fibers, with an annual output of around 1,000 tons. This breakthrough was achieved through the research efforts of the Chemical Fiber Research Institute at Donghua University, which recently won the First Prize of the Shanghai Science and Technology Progress Award.
One of the remarkable features of UHPE fibers is their virtually infinite breaking length in water. When compared to steel wire ropes of the same thickness, these fibers can withstand eight times more weight. As the third generation of high-strength fibers, following carbon fiber and aramid fiber, UHPE has become indispensable in military and aerospace applications. Its most notable use is in bulletproof and stab-resistant body armor, offering significantly lighter protection than traditional materials while maintaining superior strength.
Since 2002, China has successfully integrated UHPE fibers into the recovery system of the "Shenzhou" spacecraft, achieving excellent results. This application highlights the fiber’s reliability and performance under extreme conditions.
Donghua University's research team has been at the forefront of UHPE fiber development for decades. Since 1985, they have focused on fundamental research, gradually overcoming key technical challenges such as jelly spinning technology, extraction techniques, and nanoparticle integration. Their efforts have led to six invention patents in critical areas, placing them among the world leaders in this field. With continuous innovation, China is now playing a major role in shaping the future of advanced fiber technology.
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