Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene PE-UHMW / UHMWPE / PE-HD-UHMW (high density homopolymer) Material Data Sheet

Designation

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene / UHMWPE / PE-HD-UHMW (high density homopolymer)

Tradenames

Dewal, Durasurf, Formolene, Gur, Lennite, Lubriblend, Mipelon, Plaslube, Polimaxx, Quadrant, Tivar

Typical uses

Can and bottle handling machine parts, moving parts on weaving machines, bearings, gears, artificial joints, chutes and slides for directing particulate solids, butcher’s chopping boards and edge protection on ice rinks. Fibers are used in high performance sailcloth.

Compositional summary

(CH2CH2)n typical n=100,000-250,000
Material family	Plastic (thermoplastic, semi crystalline)
Base material	PE-UHMW (Polyethylene, ultra high molecular weight)
Polymer code	PE -UHMW

Composition detail

Polymer

100

Physical properties

Density

0.931

–

0.949

g/cm³

Mechanical properties

Young’s modulus	0.894	–	0.963	GPa
Specific stiffness	0.95	–	1.03	MN.m/kg
Yield strength (elastic limit)	21.4	–	27.6	MPa
Tensile strength	38.6	–	48.3	MPa
Specific strength	22.8	–	29.4	kN.m/kg
Elongation	350	–	525	% strain
Compressive modulus	0.894	–	0.963	GPa
Compressive strength	25.7	–	33.1	MPa
Flexural modulus	0.894	–	0.963	GPa
Flexural strength (modulus of rupture)	54	–	67.6	MPa
Shear modulus	0.314	–	0.339	GPa
Bulk modulus	1.93	–	2.02	GPa
Poisson’s ratio	0.413	–	0.43
Shape factor	4.6
Hardness – Vickers	6	–	8	HV
Hardness – Rockwell M	31	–	35
Hardness – Rockwell R	48	–	53
Elastic stored energy (springs)	250	–	405	kJ/m³
Fatigue strength at 10⁷ cycles	15.2	–	19.8	MPa

Impact & fracture properties

Fracture toughness	1.72	–	5.16	MPa.m^0.5
Toughness (G)	3.88	–	23.5	kJ/m²
Impact strength, notched 23 °C	95.2	–	105	kJ/m²
Impact strength, notched -30 °C	95.2	–	105	kJ/m²
Impact strength, unnotched 23 °C	590	–	600	kJ/m²
Impact strength, unnotched -30 °C	590	–	600	kJ/m²

Thermal properties

Melting point	125	–	138	°C
Glass temperature	-125	–	-90	°C
Heat deflection temperature 0.45MPa	68	–	82	°C
Heat deflection temperature 1.8MPa	43	–	49	°C
Maximum service temperature	80	–	110	°C
Minimum service temperature	-89	–	-79	°C
Thermal conductivity	0.19	–	0.197	W/m.°C
Specific heat capacity	1750	–	1810	J/kg.°C
Thermal expansion coefficient	234	–	360	µstrain/°C
Thermal shock resistance	70.6	–	115	°C
Thermal distortion resistance	5.37e-4	–	8.27e-4	MW/m

Electrical properties

Electrical resistivity	3.3e24	–	3e25	µohm.cm
Electrical conductivity	5.75e-24	–	5.22e-23	%IACS
Dielectric constant (relative permittivity)	2.2	–	2.4
Dissipation factor (dielectric loss tangent)	4e-4	–	6e-4
Dielectric strength (dielectric breakdown)	26.9	–	29.1	MV/m
Comparative tracking index	600			V

Magnetic properties

Magnetic type

Non-magnetic

Optical, aesthetic and acoustic properties

Transparency	Translucent
Acoustic velocity	975	–	1010	m/s
Mechanical loss coefficient (tan delta)	0.0415	–	0.0447

Absorption & permeability

Water absorption @ 24 hrs

0.005

–

0.01

Processing properties

Polymer injection molding	Limited use
Polymer extrusion	Limited use
Polymer thermoforming	Limited use
Linear mold shrinkage	3.64	–	4.4	%
Melt temperature	180	–	280	°C
Mold temperature	30	–	50	°C
Molding pressure range	6.88	–	13.8	MPa

Durability

Water (fresh)	Excellent
Water (salt)	Excellent
Weak acids	Excellent
Strong acids	Acceptable
Weak alkalis	Excellent
Strong alkalis	Excellent
Organic solvents	Acceptable
Oxidation at 500C	Unacceptable
UV radiation (sunlight)	Fair
Flammability	Highly flammable