UHMWPE / HMPE

The fiber with ultra-high molecular weight, polyethylene, is commercially available since the nineties and the best known brands are Dyneema® and Spectra®. Today there are about 20 to 30 manufacturers of this fiber and has a very broad use: from ropes, nets, sails, woven fabrics to composites and ballistics. UHMWPE will float on water and is the fiber with the highest strength available. The fiber will creep under severe load, but resists against UV and a lot of chemicals. Please note that it melts at 144°C.