DSM Dyneema Unveils Black Dyneema
Dyneema-branded ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fiber is now available in black. DSM Dyneema, the developer and producer of Black Dyneema, says the new product will open up important new opportunities for the Dyneema fiber family. According to the developer, Dyneema is the world’s strongest fiber on a weight for weight basis and is already used for a broad range of applications.
Until now, Dyneema fiber has only been available in its natural white color. If users wanted to use the fiber in an application requiring color, they needed to post-treat it. But UHMWPE fibers are almost inert chemically, so the colors, which are only on the surface, tend to wear off.
Black Dyneema is similar to natural white Dyneema fiber, except that it is permanently colored throughout its cross-section. The coloring process has no effect on any of the key mechanical properties of the fiber, nor on its smooth surface. Very high breaking strength and stiffness, low density, low elongation, excellent durability, chemical, moisture and UV resistance are all retained, as is the fiber’s quality consistency.
DSM Dyneema said it expects Black Dyneema fiber to extend the use of Dyneema in existing applications, and to take it into totally new markets. The company also expects new applications to arise where the fiber needs to be invisible or nearly invisible.
