An unconventional route for synthesis and solid-state processing of low-entangled Ultra-High Molecular Weight Isotactic Polypropylene.

Introducing the reverse micelle formation during polymerization, and thus avoiding the catalyst support, aggregated single crystals of Ultra High Molecular Weight isotactic Polypropylene (UHMWiPP) having spherical morphology are obtained. The ease in flowability of the spherical nascent morphology, having low-entangled state in the non-crystalline region of the single crystals in the semi-crystalline polymer, allows sintering of the nascent polymer in the solid-state without melting. Thus maintained low-entangled state, facilitates translation of macroscopic forces to macromolecular length scale, without melting, leading to the formation of uniaxial drawn objects having unprecedented properties that can be used in the development of one component high performance easy to recycle composites. Thus having potential of replacing impossible to recycle hybrid composites. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.