UHMWPE with rubber? 1

[stevo31]

I am currently using UHMWPE (black/white sheets) for an underwater sporting application. The application requires that the plastic float in water. What I am looking for is some type of plastic that will have similar strength as the PE but also be more abrasive or less slippery so that it will be able to grip better. Is there an additive like rubber that can be added to uhmwpe to achieve this less slippery uhmw?

Thanks in advance.

Stevo

 

[patprimmer]

Spraying hot sand on the surface might work.

Regards

eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[patprimmer]

How much do you need.

Vinyl acetate can be used to modify PE to get more rubber like qualities including more friction.

It will be difficult to specify a special compound unless you require substantial quantities.

There is also a material called Santoprene which is a PP/EPDM alloy that has rubber like qualities. I am not sure of it's SG, but I am sure you can look it up at matweb or Advanced elastomers website. I think DSM still offer things similar to Santoprene under the trade name Sarlink. They might also have info on their web site.

Regards

eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[stevo31]

Hi Pat,

I don't need alot of material. I can use about 15 square feet of it by 3/4" thick. So I don't need a whole lot.

 

[patprimmer]

Well your stuck with what you can buy off the shelf.

Try to modify the surface.

Nothing will adhere so you will need to slightly melt the surface to get adhesion of sand or rubber particles

Regards

eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[stevo31]

I find when I melt the plastic it becomes almost a liquid, would there be any other plastic/filler that I could melt into this area to make it softer on the surface?

thanks,

 

[Demon3]

Try an SBS like Styroflex, it's a rubber that's compatible with polyethylenes. I have seen nice results where it adheres well to PE and PP for example.

There is not any memory with less satisfaction than the memory of some temptation we resisted.
- James Branch Cabell

 

[corrosionman]

Stevo31 Try shotblasting the surface - - it might roughen it up to give what you want - - if i get time tomorrow i will do a small sample and give you the result.
Cheers Corrosionman.