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UHMW (Polyethylene)

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Technical Product Data Sheets

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.

Typical Values

 

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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