UHWM Characteristics
UHMW (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene) offers a combination of exceptional properties. This thermoplastic material is tough with superior impact strength. It is corrosion-resistant and exhibits virtually no water absorption. It is also wear-resistant, non-sticking and self-lubricating.
UHMW is an excellent choice for many industrial applications. It reduces noise and vibration, is chemical-resistant and non-toxic and offers excellent mechanical properties even in cryogenic conditions. Characteristics include:
- Non-toxic
- Low coefficient of friction
- Corrosion, abrasion, wear and impact resistant
- Extremely low water absorption
- FDA and USDA approved
Applications for UHMW Thermoplastic
- Chute linings
- Food processing parts
- Chemical tanks
- Conveyor guides
- Wear pads
Contact a Dielectric Manufacturing knowledge expert to discuss the use of UHMW polyethylene for fabrication of your plastic parts. Call 800-367-9122 or email sales@dielectricmfg.com.
UHMW Polyethylene Material Properties
Dielectric Manufacturing, Richfield, Wisconsin USA dielectricmfg.com UHMW Polyethylene Material Properties Provided By Dielectric Manufacturing, Richfield, Wisconsin
Property Metric units English units
General
Density 931 - 949 kg/m^3 0.034 lb/in^3
Mechanical
Yield Strength 2.14e7 - 2.76e7 Pa 3.1 - 4.0 ksi
Tensile Strength 3.86e7 - 4.83e7 Pa 5.6 - 7.01 ksi
Elongation 3.5 -5.25 % strain 350 - 525 % strain
Hardness (Vickers) 6.28e7 - 8.14e7 Pa 6.4 - 8.3 HV
Impact Strength (notched) 9.52e4 - 1.05e5 J/m^2 45.3 - 50 ft.lbf/in^2
Fracture Toughness 1.72e6 - 5.16e6 Pa/m^0.5 1.56 - 4.69 ksi/in^0.5
Young's Modulus 8.94e8 - 9.63e8 Pa 0.13 - 0.14 10^6 psi
Thermal
Max Service Temperature 110 - 130 °C 230 -266 °F
Melting Temperature 125 - 138 °C 257 - 280 °F
Insulator or Conductor Insulator Insulator
Specific Heat Capability 1.75e3 - 1.81e3 J/kg °C 0.418 - 0.432 BTU/lb. °F
Thermal Expansion Coefficient 2.34e-4 - 3.6e-4 strain/°C 130 - 200 µstrain/°F
Eco
CO2 Footprint 3.16 - 3.49 kg/kg 3.16 - 3.49 lb/lb
Recyclable Yes Yes
