UHMW (ULTRA-HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT POLYETHYLENE)
Material Information
UHMW is a thermoplastic that belongs to the polyolefin group of material. Molecular density characterizes polyethylene, with UHMW being the most dense with a molecular weight of 3.1 million or higher. UHMW is simple to machine. UHMW is light weight, has no moisture absorption, has high tensile and impact strength, is shatter resistant, is long wearing, abrasion and corrosion resistant, is self-lubricating, and has excellent chemical resistance. This makes it ideal for wear parts in machinery and equipment as well as linings in material handling systems or storage containers. It also meets FDA and USDA acceptance for food and pharmaceutical equipment. UHMW has a melting point of 267º F but recommended maximum service is about 180º F. It is available in plate, rod, angle, strip with or without adhesive, and pipe.
Application
- Conveyer wear strips
- Snowmobile track sprockets
- Guide rails – food processing
- Bearings and washers
- Textile loom parts
- Chute linings
- Agriculture
- Medical devices
- Printing
- Automotive and railroad
- Material handling
Properties
- Outstanding abrasion/corrosion resistance
- Extremely low coefficient of friction
- High impact strength (no break)
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Light weight
- Self-lubricating
- No moisture absorption
- Excellent noise abatement
- Maintains key physical properties to -30ºF
- Floats in water
Physical |
Astm Test Method |
UHMW |
| Density (lb/in^3) | D792 | 0.034 |
| Specific Gravity | D792 | 0.93 |
| Water Absorption @ 24 hours (%) | D570 | 0 |
Mechanical |
||
| Tensile Strength (PSI) | D638 | 3,100 |
| Tensile Modulus (PSI) | D638 | 125,000 |
| Tensile Elongation at Yield (%) | D638 | – |
| Flexural Strength (PSI) | D790 | – |
| Flexural Modulus (PSI) | D790 | 125,000 |
| Compressive Strength | D695 | 2,000 |
| Izod Impact (Notched), ft-lb/in | D256 | No Break |
| Shore D Hardness | D785 | D62-D66 |
Thermal |
||
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion, 10^-5/°F |
D696 | 11 |
| Heat Deflection Temperature 264 psi, ºF | D648 | 203 |
| Melting Point, °F | D3418 | 280 |
| Continous Service Temp (Operating), °F | – | 180 |
| Thermal Conductivity, BTU-in/hr-ft² °F | C177 | 2.92 |
| Flammability Rating | UL94 | HB |
Electrical |
||
| Dielectric Strength, Short Term, (Volts/Mil) @ .125″ Thick |
D149 | 900 |
| Arc Resistance (sec) | D495 | 250-350 |
| Volume Resistivity (ohm-cm) @ 50% RH | D257 | 10^18 |
| Dielectric Constant at 1 kHz | D150 | 2.30-2.35 |
| Dissipation Factor at 1 kHz | D150 | 0.0002 |
NOTE:
The information contained herein are typical values intended for reference and comparison purposes only. They should NOT be used as a basis for design specifications or quality control. Contact us for manufacturers' complete material property datasheets. All values at 73°F (23°C) unless otherwise noted.