UHMW-PE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene)

Details.

UHMW-PE has a density of 0,93 g/cm³ and a medium molecular weight of 4.500.000 mol/g. Our UHMW-PE has an incredible molecular weight of 6.000.000 mol/g which assure an outstanding resistance to wear and incredible sliding applications.

Ultra-high molecular weight is also more suitable for damping applications compared to HMW- or HD-PE and thanks to its extremely low coefficient of friction assures a better resistance and performance under load and where wear resistance is required. It is anyway not indicated where creep resistance, flexural strength and, in general, good mechanical properties are required.

An incredible characteristic of UHMW-PE is its resistance to extremely low temperatures, up to -200°C.

Chemical resistance.

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene has a great chemical resistance and its properties can be compared to those ones of HD-PE and HMW-PE.

So, it is resistant to acids, alkaline solutions, salts and salt solutions, alcohols, oils fats, waxes and many solvents. Aromatics and halogenated hydrocarbons cause swelling. All PE types are not resistant to strong oxidising materials (such as nitric acid, chromic acid or halogens) and there is a danger of stress corrosion cracking.

Miscellaneous information.

This material is also available in Food grade, which can be certified according EC 1935/2004, EC 2023/2006 and EU 10/2011. FDA certification is also available upon request.

UHMW-PE most famous brand name.

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene is usually produced in rods and plates from different companies, each one with its own commercial name. Although that, each UHMW-PE has more less the same characteristics and can easily substitute one each other.

Most famous brand names are:

• Polystone® M;
• PROlen 6000;
• Tecafine® PE1000;
• Tivar®.

UHMW-PE in few words.

Special properties:

• Excellent wear resistance;
• Excellent sliding features;
• Good noise absorption;
• High impact strength even with extremely low temperatures;
• Permanently UV-resistant in Black.

Used in:

• Packaging;
• Chemical industry;
• Food industry;
• Material Handling;
• Mechanical Engineering.

Applications:

• Rollers;
• Pulleys;
• Component parts in chemical equipment design;
• Sliding plates;
• Wear plates.