Endumax – an ultra-strong thin tape with a high modulus

<strong>Endumax</strong> <strong>–</strong>
<strong>an</strong> <strong>ultra</strong>-strong thin tape
with a high modulus

Contents
What is <strong>Endumax</strong>? 3
How is <strong>Endumax</strong> produced? 4
What types of <strong>Endumax</strong> are available? 6
What c<strong>an</strong> <strong>Endumax</strong> be used for? 8
<strong>Endumax</strong> <strong>–</strong> a unique combination of properties 10
About Teijin
Teijin is a technology-driven global group, based in Jap<strong>an</strong>, offering adv<strong>an</strong>ced solutions in
the areas of sustainable tr<strong>an</strong>sportation, information <strong>an</strong>d electronics, safety <strong>an</strong>d protection,
environment <strong>an</strong>d energy, <strong>an</strong>d healthcare. Its main fields of operation are high-perform<strong>an</strong>ce
fibers (e.g., aramid, carbon fibers <strong>an</strong>d composites), healthcare, films, resin & plastic processing,
polyester fibers, product conversion <strong>an</strong>d IT. The group has some 150 comp<strong>an</strong>ies <strong>an</strong>d around
17,000 employees spread over 20 countries worldwide. <strong>Endumax</strong> is part of Teijin’s highperform<strong>an</strong>ce
fibers business, which also produces the aramid fibers Twaron, Technora <strong>an</strong>d
Teijinconex. Teijin’s high-perform<strong>an</strong>ce fibers business is based in Arnhem, The Netherl<strong>an</strong>ds.
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What is <strong>Endumax</strong>?
<strong>Endumax</strong>® tape is a new, patented high-perform<strong>an</strong>ce tape developed <strong>an</strong>d made by
Teijin. It c<strong>an</strong> be used in a wide variety of products for various market segments <strong>–</strong>
<strong>an</strong>ywhere, in fact, where there is a need for superior strength, safety, light weight or
durability.
For example, <strong>Endumax</strong> is used worldwide in applications <strong>an</strong>d markets r<strong>an</strong>ging from
ballistic protection (armoring <strong>an</strong>d bulletproof vests), ropes <strong>an</strong>d cables to cargo containers,
sails <strong>an</strong>d even loudspeakers. The tape shape of <strong>Endumax</strong> allows for easy processing <strong>an</strong>d
seamless integration into the application of the customer.
Super-strong <strong>–</strong> <strong>an</strong>d more
Weight-for-weight, <strong>Endumax</strong> is 11 times stronger th<strong>an</strong> steel. But <strong>Endumax</strong> offers more
th<strong>an</strong> incredible strength. It is made of a special type of UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular
Weight Polyethylene), making it the strongest UHMWPE tape available in the world. It
also has a higher modulus <strong>an</strong>d better UV resist<strong>an</strong>ce, creep properties <strong>an</strong>d thermal-aging
perform<strong>an</strong>ce th<strong>an</strong> other UHMWPE fibers.
<strong>Endumax</strong> is the most sustainable UHMWPE product available, being made in <strong>an</strong>
environmentally friendly, solvent-free process. As a result, the tape contains no additional
processing aids or solvent residue. And the thermoplastic nature of UHMWPE me<strong>an</strong>s that
it c<strong>an</strong> also be easily recycled.
Versatile
<strong>Endumax</strong> tape c<strong>an</strong> be made in <strong>an</strong>y width, depending on customers’ needs. In a special
patented process, we also use <strong>Endumax</strong> tape to make a cross-plied uni-directional-laid
sheet (UD). The result is a unique UD/cross-ply that c<strong>an</strong> be consolidated to form plates of
different shapes <strong>an</strong>d thicknesses. These c<strong>an</strong> be used for ballistic protection applications,
for example.
3

How is <strong>Endumax</strong> produced?
<strong>Endumax</strong> is made in a straightforward <strong>an</strong>d sustainable process, as is described
below.
PE powder
Compacting,
rolling <strong>an</strong>d
stretching
<strong>Endumax</strong>
tape TA23
(133mm)
UD brick
Slitting
<strong>Endumax</strong>
cross-ply
XF23
<strong>Endumax</strong>
tape TA23
(2mm)
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Step 1
A qu<strong>an</strong>tity of UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene)
powder is compacted into a sheet.
Step 2
This sheet is then rolled <strong>an</strong>d stretched until it reaches the right thickness
(between 50 <strong>an</strong>d 60 µm). By this process, the long polymer chains of the
UHMWPE are aligned, giving <strong>Endumax</strong> its high mech<strong>an</strong>ical properties.
The result is the <strong>Endumax</strong> tape TA23 (133mm).
Step 3
To make the <strong>Endumax</strong> UD brick laminate, <strong>Endumax</strong> tapes are laid next to
each other in a typical brick-laying pattern.
Another option is to slit the <strong>Endumax</strong> tape to create smaller tapes.
Step 4
The UD brick laminate is cross-plied to create <strong>Endumax</strong> cross-ply XF23.
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What types of <strong>Endumax</strong> are available?
<strong>Endumax</strong> is available in tape form (<strong>Endumax</strong>® tape TA23) <strong>an</strong>d in the form of unidirectional
cross-ply laminate (<strong>Endumax</strong> UD/cross-ply XF23). If you require it in <strong>an</strong>y
other form, or in a size other th<strong>an</strong> our st<strong>an</strong>dard sizes, please contact us. We will be
pleased to explore the possibilities with you.
<strong>Endumax</strong> tape TA23
<strong>Endumax</strong>® tape TA23 is available with a st<strong>an</strong>dard thickness of approx. 50-60 µm, <strong>an</strong>d in two
st<strong>an</strong>dard widths: 2mm <strong>an</strong>d 133mm. St<strong>an</strong>dard widths are available from stock, while other
widths are available to order.
2mm tape
Preliminary target properties are as follows:
Property Unit Target
Thickness µm 55
Linear density dtex 930
Breaking tenacity N/tex 2.3
Chord modulus N/tex 188
Elongation at break % 1.7
133mm tape
Preliminary target properties as follows:
Property Unit Target
Weight g/m 6.2
Breaking tenacity N/tex 2.0
Chord modulus N/tex 168
Elongation at break % 1.8
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Optional extras
<strong>Endumax</strong> tape c<strong>an</strong> be supplied with the following optional extras: woven structures, color,
pressure-sensitive adhesives, thermoplastic layers <strong>an</strong>d/or scratch-resist<strong>an</strong>t layers.
<strong>Endumax</strong> UD/cross-ply XF23
<strong>Endumax</strong> UD/cross-ply has excellent stiffness <strong>an</strong>d ballistic properties. It is ready to stack <strong>an</strong>d
consolidate to plates, helmets or other shaped parts of different thicknesses. <strong>Endumax</strong>® is
supplied in st<strong>an</strong>dard lengths of 150m at a st<strong>an</strong>dard width of 1.6m, wound on cardboard tubes.
Property Unit Target
Length m 150
Areal density g/m 2 198
Ballistic perform<strong>an</strong>ce (V50)* m/s ≥ 400
Visual defects**
per roll ≤ 10
≤ 5% length
* The V50 test is performed with a 9mm DM41 bullet. <strong>Endumax</strong> Shield XF23 test pack contains 18 layers. It is pressed according to our
h<strong>an</strong>dling recommendations <strong>an</strong>d the shot is fired in accord<strong>an</strong>ce with the Teijin Aramid test method (HE3.04.01).
** Visual deviations from the st<strong>an</strong>dard surface of the fabric are not removed during production. The location of visual defects is clearly
marked at the side of the fabric. The commercial length of the fabric is calculated as actual length minus calculated length, equal to
all parts with defects.
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What c<strong>an</strong> <strong>Endumax</strong> be used for?
<strong>Endumax</strong> is used worldwide in m<strong>an</strong>y different applications <strong>an</strong>d markets, including
ballistic protection, ropes <strong>an</strong>d cables, sails, cargo containers <strong>an</strong>d loudspeakers. With
unrivaled expertise <strong>an</strong>d experience, we continuously work on further innovations, often
in cooperation with customers <strong>an</strong>d partners through our worldwide sales <strong>an</strong>d marketing
org<strong>an</strong>ization. Below, we give <strong>an</strong> impression of <strong>Endumax</strong>’s actual <strong>an</strong>d potential uses.
Ropes <strong>an</strong>d cables
With its unique weight-for-weight strength <strong>an</strong>d areal weight (0.99g/cm²), <strong>Endumax</strong> is a popular
choice for m<strong>an</strong>ufacturers of ropes <strong>an</strong>d cables. The neutral buoy<strong>an</strong>cy of ropes, slings <strong>an</strong>d cables
produced with <strong>Endumax</strong> makes them ideal for a wide r<strong>an</strong>ge of offshore working <strong>an</strong>d towing
applications. The good abrasion resist<strong>an</strong>ce makes it ideal for use in forestry, for inst<strong>an</strong>ce. What
is more, although <strong>Endumax</strong> is flexible, its inherent stiffness me<strong>an</strong>s it offers high responsiveness
<strong>an</strong>d direct contact between payload <strong>an</strong>d operator. Finally, the low weight of <strong>Endumax</strong>-based
products reduces the ch<strong>an</strong>ce of injuries, <strong>an</strong>d with their low coefficient of friction, high corrosion
resist<strong>an</strong>ce <strong>an</strong>d high UV resist<strong>an</strong>ce, they resist failure due to degradation <strong>an</strong>d abrasion.
Robotics
<strong>Endumax</strong> tape is ideal for use in robotics, where space is limited, forces need to be conveyed,
<strong>an</strong>d the winding <strong>an</strong>d unwinding of yarns may lead to problems. Th<strong>an</strong>ks to its unique
properties, <strong>Endumax</strong> tape proved to be ideal for use in the Darwing®, a dynamic arm support
for people with severely limited arm function. <strong>Endumax</strong> is specifically used to support the
Darwing’s revolutionary double-bal<strong>an</strong>ce mech<strong>an</strong>ism. The Darwing was developed by Focal
Meditech, in close cooperation with our Teijin <strong>Endumax</strong> team, <strong>an</strong>d was presented at RehaCare
International 2011.
Ballistic protection
Protective uni-directionals (UDs) <strong>an</strong>d composites made from <strong>Endumax</strong> <strong>an</strong>d used in insert
plates, protective p<strong>an</strong>els <strong>an</strong>d helmets all have a very high energy absorption capability, giving
them a remarkably high stopping power for bullets <strong>an</strong>d fragments. Due to their flat form,
tapes require the use of less matrix material th<strong>an</strong> normal, round fibers. As a result, more active
material c<strong>an</strong> be used in the applications for the same weight, providing better protection.
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Loudspeakers
<strong>Endumax</strong> has excellent damping properties, so in combination with its high modulus <strong>an</strong>d low
density, it is ideal for use in loudspeakers. Speakers of a specific size c<strong>an</strong> be designed to reach
higher frequencies <strong>an</strong>d deliver more output for the same input power.
Cargo containers
The excellent impact resist<strong>an</strong>ce of <strong>Endumax</strong> in ballistic applications, combined with its
stiffness, c<strong>an</strong> easily be tr<strong>an</strong>slated into other fields. For inst<strong>an</strong>ce, cargo containers need to be as
light, strong <strong>an</strong>d as impact resist<strong>an</strong>t as possible, to protect cargoes <strong>an</strong>d save fuel. A solution
using <strong>an</strong>y other material would require more material <strong>an</strong>d involve extra weight.
Sails
<strong>Endumax</strong> tape offers very high modulus, good UV resist<strong>an</strong>ce <strong>an</strong>d good flex fatigue. This
makes it very suitable for use in sails. Sails made of <strong>Endumax</strong> keep their shape even under
severe forces, they are not damaged by <strong>ultra</strong>-violet light, <strong>an</strong>d they c<strong>an</strong> be endlessly folded <strong>an</strong>d
unfolded. Unlike the round shape of ordinary fibers, the flat form of <strong>Endumax</strong> tape lends itself
naturally to the flat surface of sails. Fibers require the use of more resin, <strong>an</strong>d carbon fibers tend
to be too brittle to be used for sails, which need to remain flexible for as long as possible.
Adhesive tape
The excellent properties of <strong>Endumax</strong> tape c<strong>an</strong> be used in combination with a pressuresensitive
adhesive to produce <strong>an</strong> <strong>Endumax</strong> adhesive tape. This tape c<strong>an</strong> be stuck onto
a virtually unlimited r<strong>an</strong>ge of surfaces to give those surfaces better resist<strong>an</strong>ce to wear,
additional strength or greater resist<strong>an</strong>ce to impact. The flat shape of <strong>Endumax</strong> me<strong>an</strong>s applying
<strong>an</strong> adhesive layer is quite simple, <strong>an</strong>d there is no need to individually bond fibers.
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<strong>Endumax</strong> <strong>–</strong> a unique combination of properties
<strong>Endumax</strong> offers users a unique combination of properties. It is strong <strong>–</strong> 11 times
stronger th<strong>an</strong> steel, weight for weight. It is remarkably light, durable, weathers well,
performs well under temperature ch<strong>an</strong>ges <strong>an</strong>d is made in <strong>an</strong> environmentally friendly
way <strong>–</strong> all of which me<strong>an</strong>s it is a sustainable solution.
Very high modulus
Tensile modulus (elastic modulus) is a measure of the stiffness of <strong>an</strong> elastic isotropic material,
<strong>an</strong>d is used to characterize a material’s rigidity. <strong>Endumax</strong> has a very high modulus (i.e., it is
very rigid), especially for a material that has such low density. <strong>Endumax</strong> also has a higher
modulus th<strong>an</strong> other UHMWPE materials. (See Fig. 1.)
Product
Modulus (GPa)
Density
(g/cm³)
<strong>Endumax</strong> tape 170 0.97
Conventional UHMWPE yarn 113 0.97
Carbon 230-540 1.78
Para-aramid 60-120 1.44
E-Glass 72 2.55
Steel 200 7.9
Fig. 1: Elastic modulus vs. density <strong>–</strong> <strong>Endumax</strong> offers the best combination
Chemical resist<strong>an</strong>ce
<strong>Endumax</strong> has a good chemical resist<strong>an</strong>ce by its nature against a wide variety of chemicals.
Prolonged exposure even at temperatures of 70°C does no harm to the properties of
<strong>Endumax</strong>. The chemicals that <strong>Endumax</strong> c<strong>an</strong> resist include 10% Sodium Hydroxide, 10%
Sulfuric acid, <strong>an</strong>d water. Information on the resist<strong>an</strong>ce against other materials is available on
request.
10

Superior weathering
Fibers are weakened by exposure to <strong>ultra</strong>-violet light (sunlight), a fact that needs to be taken into
account in the initial design. In outdoor tests (ISO 877), under direct weathering at <strong>an</strong> <strong>an</strong>gle of
5° facing south without protection, <strong>Endumax</strong> tape not only showed less perform<strong>an</strong>ce loss th<strong>an</strong>
other high perform<strong>an</strong>ce yarns, but also less th<strong>an</strong> conventional UHMWPE yarn. (See Fig. 2.)
100
90
80
<strong>Endumax</strong> tape
Conventional UHMWPE yarn
Para-aramid
70
Residual strength [%]
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
UV exposure [years]
Fig. 2: Weathering: Decline in residual strength over time <strong>–</strong> <strong>Endumax</strong> shows best weathering
Good perform<strong>an</strong>ce at cryogenic temperatures
The strength of UHMWPE materials is affected by temperature. As the graph in Fig. 3
shows, their tensile modulus <strong>an</strong>d the breaking tenacity both fall off considerably at higher
temperatures. However, unlike other high-perform<strong>an</strong>ce materials, UHMWPE materials do not
become brittle at low temperatures. On the contrary, they tend to become stronger.
250 3.0
Tensile modulus [Gpa]
200
2.5
Breaking tenacity [Gpa]
Tensile modulus [Gpa]
150
100
2.0
1.5
1.0
Breaking tenacity [Gpa]
50
0.5
0
0.0
-100 -50
0
50 100
Temperature [oC]
Fig. 3: Effect of temperature on strength of <strong>Endumax</strong>
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Working together
At Teijin, we have a passion for exploring <strong>an</strong>d enh<strong>an</strong>cing the properties <strong>an</strong>d uses of our products. But what we enjoy even
more is working side by side with our customers to develop products <strong>an</strong>d applications that exactly meet their needs.
We are therefore always interested to talk with m<strong>an</strong>ufacturers <strong>an</strong>d designers to see whether <strong>Endumax</strong> c<strong>an</strong> be of use to
them, or whether we c<strong>an</strong> apply our unrivaled expertise <strong>an</strong>d experience to take <strong>Endumax</strong> as a basis for a new solution. The
starting point for innovation is often the discussions our sales <strong>an</strong>d marketing staff have with customers about their most
difficult challenges.
Find out more about <strong>Endumax</strong> <strong>an</strong>d Teijin
Please visit our website: www.teijinendumax.com
Request a sample
Please send <strong>an</strong> email to endumax@teijinaramid.com
Explore the options for co-developing a new <strong>Endumax</strong> application with us
Email us at endumax@teijinaramid.com <strong>an</strong>d one of our account m<strong>an</strong>agers will be pleased to come <strong>an</strong>d see you.
The data in this brochure reflects our best knowledge at the time of publication. The content is subject to ch<strong>an</strong>ge as a result of new developments. It only contains a
selection of the properties of the product(s) <strong>an</strong>d is me<strong>an</strong>t for commercial use only. Teijin <strong>Endumax</strong> gives no warr<strong>an</strong>ties <strong>an</strong>d does not accept <strong>an</strong>y liability regarding (i) the
fitness of the products for <strong>an</strong>y particular use, (ii) the correctness, completeness <strong>an</strong>d usage of the information, (iii) the usage of the products (iv) or <strong>an</strong>y infringement of
<strong>an</strong>y (intellectual or industrial) property of a third party. All intellectual property rights regarding this publication are the property of <strong>–</strong> or are licensed to <strong>–</strong> Teijin <strong>Endumax</strong>.
Without our prior written consent, the reproduction <strong>an</strong>d publishing of (parts of) this publication is prohibited.
43-01-04/2015
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