Performance of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene ropes with fluorocarbon coating

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) ropes are widely used in the industrial field due to their high strength and low density. However, ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause degradation of their molecular chains and affect their performance. This study innovatively applied FEVE resin coating to modify UHMWPE ropes. Through 30-day accelerated UV aging tests combined with multi-scale characterization (tensile testing, bending abrasion, DSC, FTIR, and SEM), the protective mechanisms of the coating were systematically evaluated. The results showed that the FEVE coating significantly improved the UV resistance of the rope. After aging for 30 days, the strength retention rate of the coated sample reached 70%, which was much higher than the 28.5% of the uncoated sample. The coating also enhanced the wear resistance and effectively inhibited fiber damage and crack propagation. After 2000 frictions under a constant load of 20N, the strength retention rate of the UHMWPE rope modified with this coating increased by 1.32 times before aging, and increased by 2.75 times after aging for 30 days. DSC and FTIR analysis confirmed that the coating could protect the molecular chain structure.This study pioneers the application of FEVE coating to enhance the anti-aging performance of UHMWPE ropes, providing an effective solution to improve their durability in harsh environments.