Processing of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) parts invol
ves non-isothermal cooling leading to crystallinity variations, which cause
variations in the mechanical properties. Study of non-isothermal crystalli
zation kinetics of UHMWPE forms the basis for process modelling. The crysta
llization of UHMWPE was studied at seven different cooling rates. The cryst
allization onset and peak temperatures were linearly related to the cooling
rate. The crystallization of UHMWPE was concluded to be a nucleation domin
ated process with small contribution from growth of nuclei. Differences in
ultimate crystallinity (similar to 11%) were produced due to different cool
ing rates. A significant portion of the change in ultimate crystallinity oc
curred at lower cooling rates (< 6 degrees C min(-1)). At higher cooling ra
tes (6-22 degrees C min(-)1) the change in ultimate crystallinity was insig
nificant.