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UHMWPE (ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene)
UHMWPE is a linear, low-pressure, Ziegler-type-catalyst, polyethylene resin. Its weight-average molecular weight of 4 X 106 is approximately ten times that of high molecular weight, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) resins. UHMWPE has both he highest abrasion resistance and highest impact strength of any plastic. In fact, a 25mm (1″) thick slap can stop a 0.38 caliber pistol slug at 150 mm (6″). Combined with abrasion resistance and toughness, the low coefficient of friction of UHMWPE yields a self-lubricating, non-stick surface. Static and dynamic coefficients are significantly lower than steel and most plastic materials.
Physical Properties | ASTM Test Method | Units | UHMWPE |
Density | D792 | gm/cm3 | 0.926 – 0.934 |
Water absorption, | D570 | % | Nil |
Mechanical Properties | ASTM Test Method | Units | UHMWPE |
Tensile Strength at yield | D638 | MPa (ksi) | 21 (3.1) |
Tensile Strength at break | D638 | MPa (ksi) | 48 (7.9) |
Elongation at break | D638 | % | 350 |
Young’s Modulus At 23°C (73°F) At -40°C (-450°F) |
D638 D638 |
GPa (106 psi) GPa (106 psi) |
0.69 (0.10) 0.69 (0.10) |
Izod Impact StrengthAt 23°C (73°F) At -40°C (-450°F) |
D256 (a) D256 (a) |
kJ/m (ft. lb/in.) Notch kJ/m (ft. lb/in.) Notch |
0.691.6 (30) 1.1 (21) |
Hardness, Shore D | D2240 | —- | 62 – 66 |
Abrasion Resistance | —- | —- | 100 |
Relative solution viscosity | D4020 | dL/g | 2.3 – 3.5 |
Thermal Properties | ASTM Test Method | Units | UHMWPE |
Crystalline melting range, powder | Polarizing Microscope | °C (°F) | 138 – 142 (280 – 289) |
Coefficient of Linear Expansion | see lines below | ||
At 20 to 100°C (68 to 212°F) |
D696 | 10-4 / K | 2 |
At -200 to -100°C (-330 to -150°F) |
D696 | 10-4 / K | 0.5 |
Electrical Properties | ASTM Test Method | Units | UHMWPE |
Volume Resistivity | D257 | ohm-cm | 5 X 1014 |
Dielectric Strength | D149 | —- | 2.7 |
Dielectric Constant | D150 | —- | 0.001 |
Dissipation Factor | see lines below | ||
At 50 Hz | D150 | X 104 | 1.9 |
At 1 kHz | D150 | X 104 | 0.5 |
At 0.1 MHz | D150 | X 104 | 2.5 |
Surface resistivity, wt % carbon black | see lines below | ||
0.2% for color | D257 | ohm | 1014 |
2.5% for UV protection | D257 | ohm | 1013 |
6.5% for antistatic applications | D257 | ohm | 105 |
16.7% for conductive applications | D257 | ohm | 103 |
Material Availability:
Rods: Diameters 1/4″ to 18″ thickness
Plates: 0.10 inch to 6 inch thickness inclusive, 48 X 120 inches
Profiles, tubes and special sizes are available on request
This information is only to assist and advise you on current technical knowledge and is given without obligation or liability. All trade and patent rights should be observed. All rights reserved.
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