{
  "spore": "profile",
  "id": "self-reinforced-composites",
  "spore_version": "0.2",
  "family": "glass-and-composites",
  "name": "Self-reinforced polymer composites and aramid composites",
  "abbreviation": "SRC",
  "role": "structural composite",
  "category": "composites",
  "type": "carbon-fiber-reinforced",
  "summary": "Self-reinforced composites (SRC) are made from one polymer in two forms: oriented fibres or tapes are pressed so that only their outer skin melts and bonds the rest, giving a laminate with a matrix and a reinforcement of the same chemistry. The UHMWPE SRC in the sources read here, made from Dyneema SGX fibre, reaches 174.3 MPa along the fibres at 155 C and 25 MPa, at about 1.0 g/cm3. Para-aramid fibre (Kevlar type) is a separate, high-strength reinforcement with a density of 1.44 g/cm3 and a yarn tensile strength of 3000 MPa, and it is used in aramid laminates with epoxy, vinyl ester and thermoplastic matrices. Most numbers in this file are for the fibre or the matrix resin; laminate values for the aramid systems were not read.\n",
  "best_for": "Light, recyclable structures where one polymer family is wanted: UHMWPE SRC gives about 1.0 g/cm3 with 174.3 MPa along the fibres",
  "weakest_at": "Strength across the fibres: 7.7 MPa transverse against 174.3 MPa along them, and the polyolefin SRC softens near 135 C in its unfilled matrix",
  "identity": {
    "formula": "Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibre, Dyneema SGX, hot-compacted into a single-polymer composite; para-aramid fibre (wholly aromatic polyamide, Kevlar type) in aramid laminates",
    "designations": [],
    "source": "srpc-2021",
    "where": "Section 2.1, Self-Reinforced Composite (SRC) Preparation: UHMWPE fibres from SGX (DSM Dyneema) with a linear density of 220 dtex; Dupont Kevlar guide, Section I, what is Kevlar"
  },
  "tags": {
    "environments": [
      "deep-space"
    ],
    "stresses": [
      "uv",
      "extreme-heat"
    ],
    "applications": [
      "structures",
      "radiation-shielding"
    ]
  },
  "properties": [
    {
      "benchmark": "ultimate_tensile_strength",
      "label": "Tensile strength along the fibres, UHMWPE SRC, 155 C and 25 MPa, regime 1",
      "value": 174.3,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "MPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "fibre": "UHMWPE, SGX (DSM Dyneema), 220 dtex",
        "form": "self-reinforced composite, hot compacted, longitudinal specimens",
        "temperature": "155 C compaction",
        "pressure": "25 MPa compaction",
        "process": "regime 1 as printed in the table"
      },
      "method": "Ultimate tensile strength printed in Table 2, column UTS long, row 155 C, 25 MPa, regime 1",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "srpc-2021",
      "where": "Table 2, row 155 C 25 MPa regime 1, column UTS long",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "On the Structural Peculiarities of Self-Reinforced Composite Materials Based on UHMWPE Fibers",
        "id": "Zherebtsov D, Chukov D, et al., Polymers 13(9), 1408, doi 10.3390/polym13091408 (2021)",
        "url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8123710",
        "year": 2021,
        "kind": "paper",
        "license": "open access (MDPI, CC BY)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "ultimate_tensile_strength",
      "label": "Tensile strength across the fibres, UHMWPE SRC, 155 C and 25 MPa, regime 1",
      "value": 7.7,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "MPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "fibre": "UHMWPE, SGX (DSM Dyneema), 220 dtex",
        "form": "self-reinforced composite, hot compacted, transverse specimens",
        "temperature": "155 C compaction",
        "pressure": "25 MPa compaction",
        "process": "regime 1 as printed in the table"
      },
      "method": "Ultimate tensile strength printed in Table 2, column UTS trans, row 155 C, 25 MPa, regime 1",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "srpc-2021",
      "where": "Table 2, row 155 C 25 MPa regime 1, column UTS trans",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "On the Structural Peculiarities of Self-Reinforced Composite Materials Based on UHMWPE Fibers",
        "id": "Zherebtsov D, Chukov D, et al., Polymers 13(9), 1408, doi 10.3390/polym13091408 (2021)",
        "url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8123710",
        "year": 2021,
        "kind": "paper",
        "license": "open access (MDPI, CC BY)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "flexural_strength",
      "label": "Flexural strength, UHMWPE SRC, 155 C end of the range",
      "value": 110.2,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "MPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "fibre": "UHMWPE, SGX (DSM Dyneema)",
        "form": "self-reinforced composite, hot compacted",
        "temperature": "155 C compaction (lower end of the range)",
        "pressure": "25 MPa compaction"
      },
      "method": "Value printed in the text as the lower end of a range, with the 1.5 MPa standard deviation printed beside it; the paper says the strength rises with compaction temperature",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "srpc-2020",
      "where": "Results, paragraph on flexural strength and flexural modulus (Figure 4)",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Hybrid Self-Reinforced Composite Materials Based on Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene",
        "id": "Zherebtsov D, Chukov D, et al., Materials 13(7), 1739, doi 10.3390/ma13071739 (2020)",
        "url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7178665",
        "year": 2020,
        "kind": "paper",
        "license": "open access (MDPI, CC BY)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "flexural_strength",
      "label": "Flexural strength, UHMWPE SRC, 170 C end of the range",
      "value": 117.3,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "MPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "fibre": "UHMWPE, SGX (DSM Dyneema)",
        "form": "self-reinforced composite, hot compacted",
        "temperature": "170 C compaction (upper end of the range)",
        "pressure": "25 MPa compaction"
      },
      "method": "Value printed in the text as the upper end of a range, with the 1.7 MPa standard deviation printed beside it",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "srpc-2020",
      "where": "Results, paragraph on flexural strength and flexural modulus (Figure 4)",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Hybrid Self-Reinforced Composite Materials Based on Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene",
        "id": "Zherebtsov D, Chukov D, et al., Materials 13(7), 1739, doi 10.3390/ma13071739 (2020)",
        "url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7178665",
        "year": 2020,
        "kind": "paper",
        "license": "open access (MDPI, CC BY)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "flexural_modulus",
      "label": "Flexural modulus, UHMWPE SRC, 155 C end of the range",
      "value": 37.7,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "GPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "fibre": "UHMWPE, SGX (DSM Dyneema)",
        "form": "self-reinforced composite, hot compacted",
        "temperature": "155 C compaction",
        "pressure": "25 MPa compaction"
      },
      "method": "Value printed in the text with the 1.8 GPa standard deviation; the paper says the modulus falls as compaction temperature rises",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "srpc-2020",
      "where": "Results, paragraph on flexural strength and flexural modulus (Figure 4)",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Hybrid Self-Reinforced Composite Materials Based on Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene",
        "id": "Zherebtsov D, Chukov D, et al., Materials 13(7), 1739, doi 10.3390/ma13071739 (2020)",
        "url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7178665",
        "year": 2020,
        "kind": "paper",
        "license": "open access (MDPI, CC BY)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "flexural_modulus",
      "label": "Flexural modulus, UHMWPE SRC, 170 C end of the range",
      "value": 18,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "GPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "fibre": "UHMWPE, SGX (DSM Dyneema)",
        "form": "self-reinforced composite, hot compacted",
        "temperature": "170 C compaction",
        "pressure": "25 MPa compaction"
      },
      "method": "Value printed in the text with the 1.4 GPa standard deviation",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "srpc-2020",
      "where": "Results, paragraph on flexural strength and flexural modulus (Figure 4)",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Hybrid Self-Reinforced Composite Materials Based on Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene",
        "id": "Zherebtsov D, Chukov D, et al., Materials 13(7), 1739, doi 10.3390/ma13071739 (2020)",
        "url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7178665",
        "year": 2020,
        "kind": "paper",
        "license": "open access (MDPI, CC BY)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "shear_strength",
      "label": "Single lap shear strength, UHMWPE SRC, 155 C and 25 MPa",
      "value": 2.1,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "MPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "fibre": "UHMWPE, SGX (DSM Dyneema)",
        "form": "self-reinforced composite against isotropic UHMWPE, hot compacted",
        "temperature": "155 C compaction",
        "pressure": "25 MPa compaction"
      },
      "method": "Value printed in Table 1 with the standard deviation 0.10 MPa; shear strength is not a canonical name, so the name is kept as shear_strength",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "srpc-2020",
      "where": "Table 1, row 155, column Shear Strength at 25 MPa",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Hybrid Self-Reinforced Composite Materials Based on Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene",
        "id": "Zherebtsov D, Chukov D, et al., Materials 13(7), 1739, doi 10.3390/ma13071739 (2020)",
        "url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7178665",
        "year": 2020,
        "kind": "paper",
        "license": "open access (MDPI, CC BY)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "shear_strength",
      "label": "Single lap shear strength, UHMWPE SRC, 170 C and 25 MPa",
      "value": 3.8,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "MPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "fibre": "UHMWPE, SGX (DSM Dyneema)",
        "form": "self-reinforced composite against isotropic UHMWPE, hot compacted",
        "temperature": "170 C compaction",
        "pressure": "25 MPa compaction"
      },
      "method": "Value printed in Table 1 with the standard deviation 0.14 MPa; the paper reports shear strength rising with compaction temperature at 25 MPa",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "srpc-2020",
      "where": "Table 1, row 170, column Shear Strength at 25 MPa",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Hybrid Self-Reinforced Composite Materials Based on Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene",
        "id": "Zherebtsov D, Chukov D, et al., Materials 13(7), 1739, doi 10.3390/ma13071739 (2020)",
        "url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7178665",
        "year": 2020,
        "kind": "paper",
        "license": "open access (MDPI, CC BY)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "density",
      "label": "Density of UHMWPE fibre reinforced composites, approximate",
      "value": 1,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "g/cm3",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "approximate value stated for UHMWPE SRCs, compared with carbon or glass composites at 1.8 to 2.5 g/cm3",
        "temperature": "not stated"
      },
      "method": "Approximate figure printed in the introduction; not a measured value reported in the paper",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "srpc-2021",
      "where": "Introduction, paragraph on the lower density of UHMWPE SRCs",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "On the Structural Peculiarities of Self-Reinforced Composite Materials Based on UHMWPE Fibers",
        "id": "Zherebtsov D, Chukov D, et al., Polymers 13(9), 1408, doi 10.3390/polym13091408 (2021)",
        "url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8123710",
        "year": 2021,
        "kind": "paper",
        "license": "open access (MDPI, CC BY)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "crystallinity",
      "label": "Crystallinity of UHMWPE SRC, 155 C and 25 MPa",
      "value": 92,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "%",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "fibre": "UHMWPE, SGX (DSM Dyneema)",
        "temperature": "155 C compaction",
        "pressure": "25 MPa compaction",
        "method_of_measure": "DSC melting enthalpy against 291 J/g for 100 percent crystalline UHMWPE"
      },
      "method": "Value printed in Table 1 and the text, with standard deviation 1.1 percent; crystallinity is not a canonical name, so it is kept as crystallinity",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "srpc-2020",
      "where": "Results, DSC paragraph, and Table 1, row 155 at 25 MPa",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Hybrid Self-Reinforced Composite Materials Based on Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene",
        "id": "Zherebtsov D, Chukov D, et al., Materials 13(7), 1739, doi 10.3390/ma13071739 (2020)",
        "url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7178665",
        "year": 2020,
        "kind": "paper",
        "license": "open access (MDPI, CC BY)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "crystallinity",
      "label": "Crystallinity of UHMWPE SRC, 170 C and 25 MPa",
      "value": 69,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "%",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "fibre": "UHMWPE, SGX (DSM Dyneema)",
        "temperature": "170 C compaction",
        "pressure": "25 MPa compaction",
        "method_of_measure": "DSC melting enthalpy against 291 J/g for 100 percent crystalline UHMWPE"
      },
      "method": "Value printed in Table 1 and the text, with standard deviation 1.2 percent",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "srpc-2020",
      "where": "Results, DSC paragraph, and Table 1, row 170 at 25 MPa",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Hybrid Self-Reinforced Composite Materials Based on Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene",
        "id": "Zherebtsov D, Chukov D, et al., Materials 13(7), 1739, doi 10.3390/ma13071739 (2020)",
        "url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7178665",
        "year": 2020,
        "kind": "paper",
        "license": "open access (MDPI, CC BY)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "density",
      "label": "Density of unfilled UHMW-PE sheet (matrix grade)",
      "value": 0.93,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "g/cc",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "TIVAR 1000, unfilled UHMW-PE sheet",
        "temperature": "not stated"
      },
      "method": "Specific gravity printed in the datasheet, ASTM D792; shown as a matrix reference, not as the SRC density",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "tivar-1000",
      "where": "Physical Properties table, row Specific Gravity",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "TIVAR 1000 UHMW-PE: Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials (formerly Quadrant) material data sheet, Polymershapes copy",
        "id": "Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, ASTM-format data sheet",
        "url": "https://www.polymershapes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Material_Data_TIVAR_1000_UHMW-PE.pdf",
        "year": 2020,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "manufacturer datasheet, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "melting_point",
      "label": "Melting point of unfilled UHMW-PE, DSC peak (matrix grade)",
      "value": 135,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "C",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "TIVAR 1000, unfilled UHMW-PE sheet",
        "basis": "crystalline peak, ASTM D3418"
      },
      "method": "Value printed in the datasheet as 135 C (275 F); the test is a DSC peak",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "tivar-1000",
      "where": "Physical Properties table, row Melting Point, Crystalline Peak",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "TIVAR 1000 UHMW-PE: Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials (formerly Quadrant) material data sheet, Polymershapes copy",
        "id": "Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, ASTM-format data sheet",
        "url": "https://www.polymershapes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Material_Data_TIVAR_1000_UHMW-PE.pdf",
        "year": 2020,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "manufacturer datasheet, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "max_service_temp",
      "label": "Maximum service temperature in air, unfilled UHMW-PE (matrix grade)",
      "value": 82.2,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "C",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "TIVAR 1000, unfilled UHMW-PE sheet",
        "atmosphere": "air"
      },
      "method": "Value printed as 82.2 C (180 F) in the datasheet, a service limit for the matrix polymer",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "tivar-1000",
      "where": "Physical Properties table, row Maximum Service Temperature, Air",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "TIVAR 1000 UHMW-PE: Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials (formerly Quadrant) material data sheet, Polymershapes copy",
        "id": "Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, ASTM-format data sheet",
        "url": "https://www.polymershapes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Material_Data_TIVAR_1000_UHMW-PE.pdf",
        "year": 2020,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "manufacturer datasheet, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "ultimate_tensile_strength",
      "label": "Tensile strength, unfilled UHMW-PE sheet (matrix grade)",
      "value": 40,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "MPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "TIVAR 1000, unfilled UHMW-PE sheet",
        "temperature": "room temperature (not stated)",
        "test": "ASTM D638"
      },
      "method": "Value printed in the datasheet as 40.0 MPa (5800 psi), with the ASTM D638 method",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "tivar-1000",
      "where": "Mechanical Properties table, row Tensile Strength",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "TIVAR 1000 UHMW-PE: Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials (formerly Quadrant) material data sheet, Polymershapes copy",
        "id": "Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, ASTM-format data sheet",
        "url": "https://www.polymershapes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Material_Data_TIVAR_1000_UHMW-PE.pdf",
        "year": 2020,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "manufacturer datasheet, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "elongation",
      "label": "Elongation at break, unfilled UHMW-PE sheet (matrix grade)",
      "value": 300,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "%",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "TIVAR 1000, unfilled UHMW-PE sheet",
        "test": "ASTM D638"
      },
      "method": "Value printed in the datasheet, ASTM D638",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "tivar-1000",
      "where": "Mechanical Properties table, row Elongation at Break",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "TIVAR 1000 UHMW-PE: Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials (formerly Quadrant) material data sheet, Polymershapes copy",
        "id": "Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, ASTM-format data sheet",
        "url": "https://www.polymershapes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Material_Data_TIVAR_1000_UHMW-PE.pdf",
        "year": 2020,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "manufacturer datasheet, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "elastic_modulus",
      "label": "Tensile modulus, unfilled UHMW-PE sheet (matrix grade)",
      "value": 0.552,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "GPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "TIVAR 1000, unfilled UHMW-PE sheet",
        "test": "ASTM D638"
      },
      "method": "Value printed in the datasheet as 0.552 GPa (80.0 ksi), ASTM D638",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "tivar-1000",
      "where": "Mechanical Properties table, row Tensile Modulus",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "TIVAR 1000 UHMW-PE: Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials (formerly Quadrant) material data sheet, Polymershapes copy",
        "id": "Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, ASTM-format data sheet",
        "url": "https://www.polymershapes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Material_Data_TIVAR_1000_UHMW-PE.pdf",
        "year": 2020,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "manufacturer datasheet, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "moisture_absorption",
      "label": "Water absorption of unfilled UHMW-PE, 24 hour immersion (matrix grade)",
      "value": 0.01,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "%",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "TIVAR 1000, unfilled UHMW-PE sheet",
        "test": "24 hour immersion, ASTM D570",
        "note": "printed as less than or equal to 0.010 percent, so the value is an upper limit"
      },
      "method": "Upper limit printed in the datasheet; the saturation value is printed with the same upper limit",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "tivar-1000",
      "where": "Physical Properties table, row Water Absorption, 24 hr immersion",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "TIVAR 1000 UHMW-PE: Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials (formerly Quadrant) material data sheet, Polymershapes copy",
        "id": "Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, ASTM-format data sheet",
        "url": "https://www.polymershapes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Material_Data_TIVAR_1000_UHMW-PE.pdf",
        "year": 2020,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "manufacturer datasheet, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "density",
      "label": "Density of polypropylene used for self-reinforced tapes",
      "value": 910,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "kg/m3",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "PP homopolymer, weight average molecular weight 360000 g/mol",
        "temperature": "not stated"
      },
      "method": "Value printed in the materials section of the paper for the PP homopolymer tapes used to make single-polymer composites",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "foster-2016",
      "where": "Materials section, first paragraph",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "The effect of draw ratio on the mechanical properties and crystalline structure of single polymer polypropylene composites",
        "id": "Foster RJ, Hine PJ, Ward IM, Polymer 91, 156-161, doi 10.1016/j.polymer.2016.03.042 (2016); accepted manuscript read here",
        "url": "https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/95612/7/DRpaper_resubmission.pdf",
        "year": 2016,
        "kind": "paper",
        "license": "accepted manuscript, White Rose Research Online"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "melting_point",
      "label": "Unconstrained peak melting point of the polypropylene tapes",
      "value": 163,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "C",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "PP homopolymer, weight average molecular weight 360000 g/mol",
        "basis": "unconstrained peak melting point, before compaction"
      },
      "method": "Value printed in the materials section; the compaction window in the paper is set just below and above the melting range",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "foster-2016",
      "where": "Materials section, first paragraph",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "The effect of draw ratio on the mechanical properties and crystalline structure of single polymer polypropylene composites",
        "id": "Foster RJ, Hine PJ, Ward IM, Polymer 91, 156-161, doi 10.1016/j.polymer.2016.03.042 (2016); accepted manuscript read here",
        "url": "https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/95612/7/DRpaper_resubmission.pdf",
        "year": 2016,
        "kind": "paper",
        "license": "accepted manuscript, White Rose Research Online"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "compaction_peak_temperature",
      "label": "Hot compaction temperature at the peak of property for PP tapes",
      "value": 190,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "C",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "PP homopolymer tapes, draw ratios studied in the paper",
        "pressure": "hot press, 4.9 MPa on the sample frame",
        "basis": "peak in the tensile properties, for all draw ratios except the lowest"
      },
      "method": "Approximate peak in the properties printed in the results text (about 190 C); the paper reports the Young modulus against compaction temperature in a figure, so only the text value is used",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "foster-2016",
      "where": "Results, paragraph on the peak in properties at about 190 C",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "The effect of draw ratio on the mechanical properties and crystalline structure of single polymer polypropylene composites",
        "id": "Foster RJ, Hine PJ, Ward IM, Polymer 91, 156-161, doi 10.1016/j.polymer.2016.03.042 (2016); accepted manuscript read here",
        "url": "https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/95612/7/DRpaper_resubmission.pdf",
        "year": 2016,
        "kind": "paper",
        "license": "accepted manuscript, White Rose Research Online"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "density",
      "label": "Density of para-aramid yarn, Kevlar 49",
      "value": 1.44,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "g/cm3",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "fibre": "Kevlar 49 yarn, 1,140 denier",
        "temperature": "not stated"
      },
      "method": "Value printed in the yarn properties table as 0.052 lb/in3, with the g/cm3 value in parentheses",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "dupont-kevlar-guide",
      "where": "Yarn properties table, row Density, Kevlar 49 column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Technical Guide for Kevlar Aramid Fiber (DuPont), copy hosted by a third party",
        "id": "DuPont Kevlar aramid fiber technical guide",
        "url": "https://www.r-g.de/wiki/images/e/ec/Td_en_Kevlar_guide.pdf",
        "year": 2010,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "copy hosted by a third party, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "ultimate_tensile_strength",
      "label": "Tensile strength of Kevlar 49 yarn, straight test on conditioned yarn",
      "value": 3000,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "MPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "fibre": "Kevlar 49 yarn, 1,140 denier, 768 filaments",
        "state": "conditioned yarn, straight test",
        "temperature": "not stated in the row"
      },
      "method": "Typical value printed in the yarn properties table in MPa, with the 435000 psi figure beside it",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "dupont-kevlar-guide",
      "where": "Tensile Properties table, row Breaking Strength, MPa, Kevlar 49 column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Technical Guide for Kevlar Aramid Fiber (DuPont), copy hosted by a third party",
        "id": "DuPont Kevlar aramid fiber technical guide",
        "url": "https://www.r-g.de/wiki/images/e/ec/Td_en_Kevlar_guide.pdf",
        "year": 2010,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "copy hosted by a third party, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "elastic_modulus",
      "label": "Tensile modulus of Kevlar 49 yarn",
      "value": 112400,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "MPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "fibre": "Kevlar 49 yarn, 1,140 denier",
        "state": "conditioned yarn, straight test"
      },
      "method": "Typical value printed in the yarn properties table in MPa (112,400 MPa)",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "dupont-kevlar-guide",
      "where": "Tensile Properties table, row Tensile Modulus, MPa, Kevlar 49 column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Technical Guide for Kevlar Aramid Fiber (DuPont), copy hosted by a third party",
        "id": "DuPont Kevlar aramid fiber technical guide",
        "url": "https://www.r-g.de/wiki/images/e/ec/Td_en_Kevlar_guide.pdf",
        "year": 2010,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "copy hosted by a third party, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "elongation",
      "label": "Elongation at break of Kevlar 49 yarn",
      "value": 2.4,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "%",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "fibre": "Kevlar 49 yarn, 1,140 denier",
        "state": "conditioned yarn, straight test"
      },
      "method": "Typical value printed in the yarn properties table",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "dupont-kevlar-guide",
      "where": "Tensile Properties table, row Elongation at Break, Kevlar 49 column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Technical Guide for Kevlar Aramid Fiber (DuPont), copy hosted by a third party",
        "id": "DuPont Kevlar aramid fiber technical guide",
        "url": "https://www.r-g.de/wiki/images/e/ec/Td_en_Kevlar_guide.pdf",
        "year": 2010,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "copy hosted by a third party, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "max_service_temp",
      "label": "Recommended maximum temperature for long-term use in air, Kevlar",
      "value": 149,
      "value_high": 177,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "C",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "fibre": "Kevlar para-aramid yarn",
        "atmosphere": "air",
        "duration": "long-term use",
        "unit_in_source": "300 to 350 F"
      },
      "method": "Range printed in the thermal properties table, converted from F as printed (300 to 350 F); the guide gives the range as 149 to 177 C",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "dupont-kevlar-guide",
      "where": "Thermal Properties table, row Recommended Maximum Temperature Range for Long-Term Use in Air",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Technical Guide for Kevlar Aramid Fiber (DuPont), copy hosted by a third party",
        "id": "DuPont Kevlar aramid fiber technical guide",
        "url": "https://www.r-g.de/wiki/images/e/ec/Td_en_Kevlar_guide.pdf",
        "year": 2010,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "copy hosted by a third party, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "decomposition_temperature",
      "label": "Decomposition temperature of Kevlar in air",
      "value": 427,
      "value_high": 482,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "C",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "fibre": "Kevlar para-aramid",
        "atmosphere": "air",
        "rate": "depends on the heating rate; typical TGA at 10 C per minute",
        "unit_in_source": "800 to 900 F"
      },
      "method": "Range printed in the thermal properties table as 427 to 482 C (800 to 900 F); decomposition temperature is not a canonical name",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "dupont-kevlar-guide",
      "where": "Thermal Properties table, row Decomposition Temperature in Air",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Technical Guide for Kevlar Aramid Fiber (DuPont), copy hosted by a third party",
        "id": "DuPont Kevlar aramid fiber technical guide",
        "url": "https://www.r-g.de/wiki/images/e/ec/Td_en_Kevlar_guide.pdf",
        "year": 2010,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "copy hosted by a third party, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "moisture_absorption",
      "label": "Equilibrium moisture content of Kevlar 49 yarn, from bone-dry yarn",
      "value": 3.5,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "%",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "fibre": "Kevlar 49 yarn",
        "state": "equilibrium from bone-dry yarn",
        "humidity": "conditions as printed in the moisture table, not restated in this file"
      },
      "method": "Value printed in the moisture levels table for Kevlar 49, equilibrium from bone-dry yarn",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "dupont-kevlar-guide",
      "where": "Yarn properties table, Moisture Levels, row Equilibrium from Bone-Dry Yarn, Kevlar 49 column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Technical Guide for Kevlar Aramid Fiber (DuPont), copy hosted by a third party",
        "id": "DuPont Kevlar aramid fiber technical guide",
        "url": "https://www.r-g.de/wiki/images/e/ec/Td_en_Kevlar_guide.pdf",
        "year": 2010,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "copy hosted by a third party, cited not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "cte",
      "label": "Coefficient of thermal expansion of Kevlar 49 yarn, longitudinal direction",
      "value": -4.9,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "ppm/K",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "fibre": "Kevlar 49 yarn, 1,420 denier",
        "temperature_range": "25 to 150 C",
        "unit_in_source": "-4.9 x 10-6 cm/cm/C"
      },
      "method": "Value printed as -4.9 x 10-6 cm/cm/C in the CTE table, shown here in ppm/K, which has the same value; the guide notes that the CTE depends on measuring technique",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "dupont-kevlar-guide",
      "where": "Table II-4, Coefficient of Thermal Expansion, Kevlar 49 row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Technical Guide for Kevlar Aramid Fiber (DuPont), copy hosted by a third party",
        "id": "DuPont Kevlar aramid fiber technical guide",
        "url": "https://www.r-g.de/wiki/images/e/ec/Td_en_Kevlar_guide.pdf",
        "year": 2010,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "copy hosted by a third party, cited not reproduced"
      }
    }
  ],
  "corrosion": [
    {
      "environment": "UV light exposure of UHMWPE fibre mesh, outdoors and in artificial UV",
      "headline": "UV ageing lowers the breaking strength of UHMWPE mesh more efficiently than salt spray.",
      "effect": "The paper says UV energy activates UHMWPE molecules and causes chain breaking, which lowers the breaking strength more efficiently than salt spray. No retention percentage was read in the text used here.",
      "rating": "moderate",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "qualitative statement from the abstract; no retention value read",
        "material": "UHMWPE fibre barrier net (marine service)"
      },
      "source": "mdpi-barrier",
      "where": "Abstract"
    },
    {
      "environment": "Hot and humid ageing of UHMWPE fibres at 50 C and 93 percent relative humidity",
      "headline": "Humid heat first lowers breaking strength, then the fibres bond into clumps and the strength rises slightly.",
      "effect": "The paper says the breaking strength drops rapidly at first, then rises slightly as the UHMWPE fibres bond into clumps. The acceleration ratio of the test spectrum rises with ageing time.",
      "rating": "moderate",
      "conditions": {
        "temperature": "50 C",
        "humidity": "93 percent relative humidity",
        "cycle": "10 days per cycle in the chamber"
      },
      "source": "mdpi-barrier",
      "where": "Abstract, and Section 2.2.3, Hygrothermal Aging Experiment"
    },
    {
      "environment": "Salt spray on UHMWPE fibre mesh, 5 wt percent NaCl at 35 C",
      "headline": "Salt spray is the milder of the marine ageing tests for the UHMWPE mesh, per the paper's comparison with UV.",
      "effect": "The paper finds UV more damaging than salt spray for breaking strength. No salt spray retention value was read.",
      "rating": "low",
      "conditions": {
        "electrolyte": "5 wt percent NaCl",
        "temperature": "35 C",
        "standard": "ISO 4611-2010",
        "duration": "up to 60 days in six 10-day cycles"
      },
      "source": "mdpi-barrier",
      "where": "Abstract; Section 2.2.2, Salt Spray Aging Experiment"
    },
    {
      "environment": "Heat in nitrogen, para-aramid yarn (Kevlar)",
      "headline": "Kevlar tensile properties are virtually unaffected by 538 C in nitrogen, but it decomposes in air at 427 to 482 C.",
      "effect": "The guide says the tensile properties of Kevlar are virtually unaffected by 1000 F (538 C) in nitrogen. In air the decomposition range is 427 to 482 C, and the recommended long-term use range is 149 to 177 C.",
      "rating": "low",
      "conditions": {
        "atmosphere": "nitrogen",
        "temperature": "538 C"
      },
      "source": "dupont-kevlar-guide",
      "where": "Thermal Properties, text on decomposition temperature and effect of elevated temperatures"
    },
    {
      "environment": "UV light exposure of para-aramid yarn",
      "headline": "Unprotected Kevlar yarn yellows to brown and can lose mechanical properties under extended UV.",
      "effect": "The guide says unprotected yarn tends to discolour from yellow to brown after prolonged exposure, and that extended UV exposure can cause loss of mechanical properties, depending on wavelength, time and intensity. Degradation needs oxygen; moisture does not enhance it. No retention figure was read.",
      "rating": "moderate",
      "conditions": {
        "atmosphere": "oxygen present",
        "guidance": "keep yarn away from fluorescent lamps and window glass"
      },
      "source": "dupont-kevlar-guide",
      "where": "Section II, Effect of UV Light on Kevlar, and the text before it"
    },
    {
      "environment": "Strong aqueous acids, bases and sodium hypochlorite on para-aramid yarn",
      "headline": "Kevlar is chemically stable under a wide range of conditions, but strong acids, bases and hypochlorite can degrade it.",
      "effect": "The guide says degradation can occur with certain strong aqueous acids, bases and sodium hypochlorite, particularly over long periods and at elevated temperatures. Table II-3 gives the breaking strength after exposure; its numbers were not used here.",
      "rating": "moderate",
      "conditions": {
        "agents": "strong aqueous acids, strong bases, sodium hypochlorite",
        "temperature": "elevated temperatures over long periods"
      },
      "source": "dupont-kevlar-guide",
      "where": "Section II, Effect of Chemical Agents on Kevlar, and Table II-3"
    }
  ],
  "risks": {
    "hazards": [
      {
        "text": "Para-aramid (Kevlar) fibre dust may form combustible dust concentrations in air if small particles are generated during processing, handling or by other means. The SDS classification is combustible dust, with signal word Warning.",
        "ghs": [],
        "source": "kevlar-sds",
        "where": "Section 2, hazard identification (product hazard category, combustible dust)"
      },
      {
        "text": "The Kevlar SDS reports no skin irritation in guinea pigs and an oral LD50 above 7500 mg/kg in rat, and says the polymer is not expected to produce toxic effects. Eye protection with side-shields is recommended.",
        "ghs": [],
        "source": "kevlar-sds",
        "where": "Section 11, toxicological information, and Section 8, eye protection"
      },
      {
        "text": "Unfilled UHMW-PE (TIVAR VMX food grade SDS) is not classified under GHS, with no signal word and no hazard statements. The sheet still advises avoiding dust formation.",
        "ghs": [],
        "source": "tivar-vmx-sds",
        "where": "Section 2, GHS classification; Section 7, handling"
      },
      {
        "text": "PubChem GHS summary for styrene (CID 7501), a monomer that vinyl ester resins are often diluted with. The vinyl ester formulation used in the sources read here was not published, so this applies to styrene, not to a cured laminate.",
        "ghs": [
          "H226: Flammable liquid and vapor",
          "H315: Causes skin irritation",
          "H319: Causes serious eye irritation",
          "H332: Harmful if inhaled",
          "H361d: Suspected of damaging the unborn child",
          "H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure"
        ],
        "source": "pubchem-styrene",
        "where": "GHS Classification, first block of hazard statements for CID 7501"
      }
    ],
    "failure_risks": [
      {
        "mode": "Loading across the fibres",
        "trigger": "Tension transverse to the fibre direction in a unidirectional SRC",
        "consequence": "The paper gives 4.1 to 16.5 MPa across the fibres, against 67.8 to 174.3 MPa along them. Layup decides how much of the fibre strength a part can use.",
        "severity": "high",
        "source": "srpc-2021",
        "where": "Table 2, transverse and longitudinal UTS columns"
      },
      {
        "mode": "Over-melting of the fibres during hot compaction",
        "trigger": "Compaction at 165 to 170 C at 25 MPa",
        "consequence": "The preserved fibre fraction falls from 88 percent at 155 C to 76 percent at 165 C and 34 percent at 170 C, so the reinforcement is largely lost at the top of the window.",
        "severity": "high",
        "source": "srpc-2020",
        "where": "Results, DSC paragraph, fraction of preserved fibres"
      },
      {
        "mode": "Narrow processing window for polypropylene tapes",
        "trigger": "Compaction temperature away from the optimum near 190 C",
        "consequence": "The paper reports the modulus and strength depend strongly on compaction temperature, and the optimum shifts with draw ratio. Off-optimum compaction gives weaker sheets.",
        "severity": "moderate",
        "source": "foster-2016",
        "where": "Results, paragraph on the peak in properties with compaction temperature"
      },
      {
        "mode": "Ultraviolet degradation of aramid yarn",
        "trigger": "Extended UV exposure with oxygen present",
        "consequence": "The guide says the yarn discolours and can lose mechanical properties. The fibre must be shielded from UV, and no retention figure is given in the text read.",
        "severity": "moderate",
        "source": "dupont-kevlar-guide",
        "where": "Section II, Effect of UV Light on Kevlar"
      }
    ],
    "side_effects": [
      {
        "text": "Dust from cutting or machining aramid and polyolefin composites can build up and form combustible dust in air. Handling dust is the main practical side effect.",
        "affects": "Workers and workshop air",
        "source": "kevlar-sds",
        "where": "Section 2, combustible dust, and Section 7, handling"
      }
    ],
    "handling": [
      {
        "text": "Avoid dust formation. Keep fibre fly and dust under control by ventilation or vacuum cleaning, not by sweeping.",
        "source": "kevlar-sds",
        "where": "Section 7, handling and storage"
      },
      {
        "text": "The guide notes exposure limits for para-aramid as respirable fibres at 2 RFP/cc and for dust at 5 mg/m3 (8 and 12 hour TWA, DuPont AEL). Wear safety glasses with side shields and a respirator when limits are exceeded.",
        "source": "kevlar-sds",
        "where": "Section 8, exposure limit values and eye protection"
      }
    ],
    "mitigations": []
  },
  "uses": [
    {
      "application": "structures",
      "device": "Lightweight self-reinforced UHMWPE composite plates",
      "example": "The UHMWPE SRC is pressed as rectangular plates of 80 by 10 by 2 mm in the work read here. The authors frame SRCs as lightweight, chemically inert alternatives to carbon and glass composites for mechanical use.",
      "source": "srpc-2021",
      "where": "Section 2.1 and Introduction, paragraph on applications requiring chemical inertness"
    },
    {
      "application": "radiation-shielding",
      "device": "Polyethylene galactic cosmic ray shield (neat polyethylene, not the SRC)",
      "example": "The NASA technical paper tests polyethylene as a shield material. It quotes Shinn et al. as saying polyethylene, with its short nuclear absorption lengths, is an effective shield material.",
      "source": "nasa-tp3473",
      "where": "Introduction, paragraph on hydrogenous shield materials"
    },
    {
      "application": "structures",
      "device": "Para-aramid fibre in rigid epoxy composites",
      "example": "The guide compares Kevlar with the modulus of an epoxy used in making rigid composites, in its low temperature property discussion. The fibre is used for reinforcement of polymer matrices in these composites.",
      "source": "dupont-kevlar-guide",
      "where": "Section II, low temperature (cryogenic) property text, comparison with epoxy"
    },
    {
      "application": "structures",
      "device": "Carbon-epoxy laminate with woven aramid layers",
      "example": "A 2024 study adds woven aramid fibre to carbon-epoxy laminates made by vacuum assisted resin infusion, to study the in-plane tensile behaviour. The aramid is treated as a high strain material that improves impact strength.",
      "source": "manipal-carbon-aramid",
      "where": "Abstract"
    }
  ],
  "supply": [
    {
      "subject": "UHMWPE fibre (Dyneema SGX, 220 dtex, 15 to 20 micrometres diameter)",
      "abundance": "Not applicable: synthetic polymer fibre; no crustal abundance applies",
      "producers": [],
      "critical_lists": [],
      "substitutes": [],
      "source": "srpc-2021",
      "where": "Section 2.1, Self-Reinforced Composite (SRC) Preparation"
    },
    {
      "subject": "Para-aramid fibre (Kevlar)",
      "abundance": "Not applicable: synthetic aromatic polyamide fibre; no crustal abundance applies",
      "producers": [],
      "critical_lists": [],
      "substitutes": [],
      "source": "dupont-kevlar-guide",
      "where": "Introduction, What is Kevlar, and the guide cover"
    }
  ],
  "media": [],
  "documents": [
    {
      "title": "On the Structural Peculiarities of Self-Reinforced Composite Materials Based on UHMWPE Fibers (Polymers 2021)",
      "type": "paper",
      "url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8123710",
      "year": 2021
    },
    {
      "title": "Hybrid Self-Reinforced Composite Materials Based on UHMWPE (Materials 2020)",
      "type": "paper",
      "url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7178665",
      "year": 2020
    },
    {
      "title": "The effect of draw ratio on the mechanical properties and crystalline structure of single polymer polypropylene composites (Polymer 2016)",
      "type": "paper",
      "url": "https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/95612/7/DRpaper_resubmission.pdf",
      "year": 2016
    },
    {
      "title": "TIVAR 1000 UHMW-PE material data sheet (Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials)",
      "type": "datasheet",
      "url": "https://www.polymershapes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Material_Data_TIVAR_1000_UHMW-PE.pdf",
      "year": 2020
    },
    {
      "title": "Technical Guide for Kevlar Aramid Fiber (DuPont)",
      "type": "datasheet",
      "url": "https://www.r-g.de/wiki/images/e/ec/Td_en_Kevlar_guide.pdf",
      "year": 2010
    },
    {
      "title": "KEVLAR Para-aramid Safety Data Sheet, Version 8.1",
      "type": "sds",
      "url": "https://media.easycomposites.co.uk/datasheets/Dupont-Kevlar-SDS-Ver8_1-23Mar2023.pdf",
      "year": 2024
    },
    {
      "title": "NASA TP 3473: Performance Study of Galactic Cosmic Ray Shield Materials",
      "type": "report",
      "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19950010497/downloads/19950010497.pdf",
      "year": 1994
    },
    {
      "title": "Study on the Aging Behavior of a UHMWPE Fiber Barrier Net in a Marine Environment (Materials 2022)",
      "type": "paper",
      "url": "https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15165599",
      "year": 2022
    },
    {
      "title": "Experimental analysis of the effect of woven aramid fabric on carbon/epoxy laminates (2024)",
      "type": "paper",
      "url": "https://impressions.manipal.edu/open-access-archive/11369",
      "year": 2024
    },
    {
      "title": "PubChem: Styrene (CID 7501), GHS classification summary",
      "type": "database",
      "url": "https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/7501",
      "year": 2026
    },
    {
      "title": "TIVAR VMX food-grade UHMW-PE safety data sheet (Boedeker copy)",
      "type": "sds",
      "url": "https://www.boedeker.com/Portals/0/Safety%20Data%20Sheets%20SDS/MCAM/MCAM-TIVAR-VMX-FOOD-GRADE-UHMW-EN-SDS-1609-211004-feb-2024.pdf",
      "year": 2024
    }
  ],
  "gaps": [
    "Curv (self-reinforced PP, Propex): no numeric value was read. The UL Prospector datasheet page returned a blocked page, the Index Thermoplastics page returned 403, and search results only gave relative ratings. Density, tensile modulus and strength for Curv are not in this file.",
    "Pure PP/PP self-reinforced composites: no product datasheet was reached. The only PP numbers are for PP homopolymer tapes from the 2016 Leeds study (density, melting point, compaction peak).",
    "PE/PE commercial composites (Dyneema SRPE sheet grades): no manufacturer datasheet was read. The UHMWPE SRC values come from academic papers on SGX fibre compacted in the lab. Dyneema SK75 fibre values from search snippets were not used.",
    "Carbon/polyaramid laminates: the 2024 study was read as an abstract only. No tensile, modulus or failure strain values were printed in the text used.",
    "Polyaramid/vinylester laminates: the 2010 Kevlar and vinyl ester study was read at the setup level (unidirectional Kevlar, 20, 40 and 60 wt percent, surface density 340 g/cm2). Its results were not in the text fetched. The MDPI MWCNT-anchored p-aramid paper was found but not read.",
    "Polyaramid/PPS hybrid laminates: no source was found for this pairing. Search returned PPS-carbon and PPS-glass data only, which are not used.",
    "Aramid laminate values (carbon/aramid, polyaramid/vinylester) are not in this file. The aramid numbers are for the Kevlar 49 yarn, not for a laminate.",
    "UHMWPE mesh ageing: the paper gives UV and hygrothermal effects in words only. The retention table was not found in the full text read via Europe PMC, so no percent retention is given.",
    "No atomic oxygen, outgassing or total mass loss values were read for these systems.",
    "Water uptake at saturation for the UHMWPE SRC and for aramid laminates was not read. The 3.5 percent value is the equilibrium of Kevlar 49 yarn from bone-dry yarn, under the conditions printed in the table.",
    "Fibre volume fraction and void content of the SRC samples were not read as numbers.",
    "Crystallinity, shear strength and decomposition temperature are not canonical benchmark names, so they are kept as snake_case names: crystallinity, shear_strength, decomposition_temperature.",
    "Foster 2016 gives Young modulus in GPa only in a figure, so only the text values are used.",
    "Supply shares by country, abundance and critical-mineral status for the polyolefin and aramid fibres were not read. No critical-mineral list was checked.",
    "Styrene hazards apply to the monomer, not a cured vinyl ester laminate. The resin SDS was not read.",
    "Recycling data for SRC (for example, how many cycles keep the properties) was not found in a readable source."
  ],
  "story": {
    "why": "Self-reinforced composites give a light, recyclable laminate from one polymer family. The UHMWPE SRC reaches 174.3 MPa along the fibres with a density of about 1.0 g/cm3, and its matrix is an unfilled UHMW-PE that melts at 135 C. Para-aramid fibre gives the highest tensile values in this file, 3000 MPa and 112400 MPa for Kevlar 49 yarn, with a 1.44 g/cm3 density. Both systems are limited across the fibres and by heat or UV.",
    "uses": [
      {
        "where": "Structural plates",
        "line": "The UHMWPE SRC is pressed into flat plates in the lab, with the authors framing it as a lightweight alternative to carbon and glass composites."
      },
      {
        "where": "Radiation shielding",
        "line": "NASA TP 3473 tests polyethylene as a galactic cosmic ray shield and quotes Shinn et al. calling it effective because of its short nuclear absorption lengths."
      },
      {
        "where": "Carbon-aramid hybrid laminates",
        "line": "Woven aramid fibre is added to carbon-epoxy laminates as a high-strain layer, which the authors study for in-plane tensile behaviour and, in the cited literature, for impact strength."
      }
    ],
    "can_do": [
      {
        "label": "Property",
        "line": "The SRC is made into flat plates by hot compaction, and the sources report 110.2 to 117.3 MPa in flexure at 155 to 170 C.",
        "scope": "material"
      },
      {
        "label": "Use",
        "line": "Polyethylene (neat) is named in NASA work as an effective galactic cosmic ray shield, because of its high hydrogen content.",
        "scope": "material"
      }
    ],
    "compare": "The UHMWPE SRC is about four times as strong along the fibres as the unfilled UHMW-PE sheet (174.3 MPa against 40.0 MPa), and its density of about 1.0 g/cm3 is well below the 1.44 g/cm3 of Kevlar 49 yarn. The Kevlar yarn is about 17 times stronger than the SRC along the fibres (3000 MPa against 174.3 MPa), but the figures are for a single fibre bundle against a lab-made composite, so they are not directly comparable.",
    "compare_rows": [
      {
        "label": "Strength along the fibres",
        "benchmark": "ultimate_tensile_strength",
        "scope": "material"
      },
      {
        "label": "Stiffness",
        "benchmark": "elastic_modulus",
        "scope": "material"
      },
      {
        "label": "Density",
        "benchmark": "density",
        "scope": "material"
      }
    ],
    "handling": [
      "Avoid dust formation when cutting, sanding or machining aramid or polyolefin composites. Use ventilation or vacuum cleaning.",
      "Wear safety glasses with side shields when working with aramid fibre dust.",
      "Keep aramid yarn away from fluorescent lamps and window glass, since UV discolours it and can reduce its strength.",
      "Check the SDS of the specific grade. TIVAR VMX is not GHS classified, while Kevlar is flagged for combustible dust."
    ],
    "good_for": [
      "Light structural parts where strength is needed along one direction and recyclability matters.",
      "Radiation shielding in polyethylene form, with the SRC as a route to a stiffer polyethylene part (not tested in the sources here)."
    ],
    "watch_out": [
      "Compaction temperature sets the reinforcement left in the part. Near 170 C, most of the fibres melt.",
      "Across-fibre strength is about 7.7 MPa for the SRC, far below the along-fibre value.",
      "Aramid yarn needs UV shielding and dust control."
    ],
    "verdict": "Strong along the fibre and recyclable in principle, but weak across it and sensitive to compaction temperature; the aramid values are for the fibre, and laminate data for the aramid systems is still missing.",
    "recipe": {
      "line": "Self-reinforced composites are made by hot compaction of oriented fibres or tapes of one polymer. The surface of each fibre melts and, on cooling, forms an isotropic matrix around the unmelted core, which keeps its orientation and carries the load. The UHMWPE SRC in the sources was pressed from SGX fibre (220 dtex) at 155 to 170 C and 25 to 50 MPa, with the heating time 50 minutes and the moulding time 10 minutes. Aramid composites are different: the fibre is a reinforcement in a separate resin matrix, and the sources read here give no laminate recipe.",
      "parts": [
        {
          "name": "UHMWPE fibre (Dyneema SGX, 220 dtex)",
          "role": "Carries the load along the fibre direction; the preserved fibre fraction sets the strength."
        },
        {
          "name": "Isotropic UHMWPE matrix (remelted fibre surface)",
          "role": "Bonds the fibres together and transfers load between them; the amount grows with compaction temperature."
        }
      ]
    },
    "risk_groups": [
      {
        "title": "For people",
        "lead": "The sources read here show low acute hazard for the polyolefin and aramid fibres, with dust as the main concern.",
        "points": [
          {
            "label": "Dust in the workshop",
            "line": "Kevlar is classed for combustible dust, and the SDS advises avoiding dust formation. TIVAR VMX is not GHS classified but also advises avoiding dust."
          },
          {
            "label": "Styrene in vinyl ester resins",
            "line": "PubChem lists styrene as flammable and harmful if inhaled, a suspected reproductive hazard and a specific organ toxicant on repeated exposure. Check the resin SDS."
          }
        ],
        "level": 1,
        "verdict": "Dust is the main concern"
      },
      {
        "title": "If it fails",
        "lead": "The fibre direction decides the weak direction. The UHMWPE SRC is strong along the fibres and weak across them.",
        "points": [
          {
            "label": "Loading across the fibres",
            "line": "The SRC gives 7.7 MPa across the fibres against 174.3 MPa along them, so layup decides how much of the strength a part can use."
          },
          {
            "label": "Heat during compaction",
            "line": "At 170 C only 34 percent of the fibres survive compaction, so the process window is narrow."
          },
          {
            "label": "UV on aramid",
            "line": "Unprotected aramid yarn yellows and can lose strength under UV. Shielding from UV is the mitigation the guide gives."
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "title": "Handling and storage",
        "points": [
          {
            "label": "Keep it dry and shielded",
            "line": "Aramid moisture equilibrium is 3.5 percent for Kevlar 49 yarn from bone-dry state, so the yarn picks up moisture in use."
          }
        ]
      }
    ]
  },
  "updated": "2026-10-26",
  "review": {
    "status": "draft",
    "method": "assistant",
    "checked_values": 29,
    "unreachable": 3,
    "caveats": 6,
    "note": "First write on 2026-10-26: 29 values read in this run from fetched papers, datasheets and the DuPont Kevlar guide. Not reached: Curv and Pure PP datasheets (blocked), commercial PE/PE datasheets, aramid laminate numbers. Caveats: the UHMWPE SRC values are lab-made samples of SGX fibre; TIVAR values are an unfilled matrix grade, not the SRC matrix; the Kevlar values are for yarn, not laminates; the 190 C PP value is read from text, not the figure; styrene hazards are for the monomer; the 0.01 percent water absorption is an upper limit."
  },
  "sources": {
    "srpc-2021": {
      "title": "On the Structural Peculiarities of Self-Reinforced Composite Materials Based on UHMWPE Fibers",
      "id": "Zherebtsov D, Chukov D, et al., Polymers 13(9), 1408, doi 10.3390/polym13091408 (2021)",
      "url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8123710",
      "year": 2021,
      "kind": "paper",
      "license": "open access (MDPI, CC BY)"
    },
    "srpc-2020": {
      "title": "Hybrid Self-Reinforced Composite Materials Based on Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene",
      "id": "Zherebtsov D, Chukov D, et al., Materials 13(7), 1739, doi 10.3390/ma13071739 (2020)",
      "url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7178665",
      "year": 2020,
      "kind": "paper",
      "license": "open access (MDPI, CC BY)"
    },
    "foster-2016": {
      "title": "The effect of draw ratio on the mechanical properties and crystalline structure of single polymer polypropylene composites",
      "id": "Foster RJ, Hine PJ, Ward IM, Polymer 91, 156-161, doi 10.1016/j.polymer.2016.03.042 (2016); accepted manuscript read here",
      "url": "https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/95612/7/DRpaper_resubmission.pdf",
      "year": 2016,
      "kind": "paper",
      "license": "accepted manuscript, White Rose Research Online"
    },
    "tivar-1000": {
      "title": "TIVAR 1000 UHMW-PE: Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials (formerly Quadrant) material data sheet, Polymershapes copy",
      "id": "Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, ASTM-format data sheet",
      "url": "https://www.polymershapes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Material_Data_TIVAR_1000_UHMW-PE.pdf",
      "year": 2020,
      "kind": "datasheet",
      "license": "manufacturer datasheet, cited not reproduced"
    },
    "dupont-kevlar-guide": {
      "title": "Technical Guide for Kevlar Aramid Fiber (DuPont), copy hosted by a third party",
      "id": "DuPont Kevlar aramid fiber technical guide",
      "url": "https://www.r-g.de/wiki/images/e/ec/Td_en_Kevlar_guide.pdf",
      "year": 2010,
      "kind": "datasheet",
      "license": "copy hosted by a third party, cited not reproduced"
    },
    "kevlar-sds": {
      "title": "KEVLAR Para-aramid Safety Data Sheet, Version 8.1 (Ref. 150000002634; revision 03/23/2023)",
      "id": "DuPont SDS, copy hosted by Easy Composites",
      "url": "https://media.easycomposites.co.uk/datasheets/Dupont-Kevlar-SDS-Ver8_1-23Mar2023.pdf",
      "year": 2024,
      "kind": "datasheet",
      "license": "supplier safety data sheet, cited not reproduced"
    },
    "nasa-tp3473": {
      "title": "NASA Technical Paper 3473: Performance Study of Galactic Cosmic Ray Shield Materials",
      "id": "Kim, Wilson, Thibeault, Nealy, Badavi, Kiefer, NASA TP 3473 (1994)",
      "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19950010497/downloads/19950010497.pdf",
      "year": 1994,
      "kind": "report",
      "license": "NASA public document"
    },
    "mdpi-barrier": {
      "title": "Study on the Aging Behavior of an Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Fiber Barrier Net in a Marine Environment",
      "id": "Materials 15(16), 5599, doi 10.3390/ma15165599 (2022)",
      "url": "https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15165599",
      "year": 2022,
      "kind": "paper",
      "license": "open access (MDPI, CC BY)"
    },
    "manipal-carbon-aramid": {
      "title": "Experimental analysis of the effect of the woven aramid fabric on the in-plane tensile behaviour of carbon/epoxy laminates",
      "id": "Zachariah SA, Shenoy S, et al., Facta Universitatis, Series Mechanical Engineering (2024), Manipal open access archive",
      "url": "https://impressions.manipal.edu/open-access-archive/11369",
      "year": 2024,
      "kind": "paper",
      "license": "open access (Manipal institutional archive)"
    },
    "pubchem-styrene": {
      "title": "PubChem: Styrene (CID 7501), GHS classification summary",
      "id": "PubChem, National Center for Biotechnology Information",
      "url": "https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/7501",
      "year": 2026,
      "kind": "database",
      "license": "PubChem public data"
    },
    "tivar-vmx-sds": {
      "title": "TIVAR VMX food-grade UHMW-PE safety data sheet (Boedeker copy, rev. Feb 2024)",
      "id": "Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, SDS 1609-211004",
      "url": "https://www.boedeker.com/Portals/0/Safety%20Data%20Sheets%20SDS/MCAM/MCAM-TIVAR-VMX-FOOD-GRADE-UHMW-EN-SDS-1609-211004-feb-2024.pdf",
      "year": 2024,
      "kind": "datasheet",
      "license": "safety data sheet, cited not reproduced"
    }
  },
  "license": "CC-BY-4.0",
  "url": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/self-reinforced-composites/"
}