The optical properties in the visible wavelength range (400-800 nm) of
solution-cast, ultra-drawn, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene
(UHMW-PE, M(w)BAR>10(6) g mol-1) films were investigated. UHMW-PE film
s, drawn 30 times at 125-degrees-C, possess a rather low transmittance
(40-60%) in the visible wavelength range. However, highly transparent
films with a transmittance exceeding 90% are obtained by applying a s
urface coating to the films. Dichroism in the visible wavelength range
can be generated in drawn UHMW-PE films by incorporating dichroic dye
s. Certain dichroic dyes were found to orient during solid-state drawi
ng. Dichroic UHMW-PE films with a dichroic ratio of 30 and an order pa
rameter of 0.91 were produced.