UHMW

UHMW (Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) Product Guide

Applications | Mechanical and Chemical Data

Overview

UHMW is a subset of the thermoplastic polyethylene. It is the highest quality polyethylene available and an excellent choice for cost effective, impact, chemical, and abrasion resistant qualities. Also, UHMW offers low friction, toughness, durability, ease of fabrication, low moisture absorption, and a highly effective replacement for metal parts. UHMW is used in a wide range of applications, including wet environment and submerged applications, guides, bumpers, wear strips, rollers, conveyor line guides, and package machinery parts.

Common Brand/Trade Names

GUR®, Polystone® M, Tivar®

Other Resources

Weight Calculator

Products

UHMW Sheet/Plate | UHMW Round Rod

Applications

Star Wheels
Dock Fenders
Hopper Liners
Food Processing Machinery Parts
Wear Rails


Physical Properties UHMW
Density	0.034 lb/in3
Tensile Strength	3.6-5.8 ksi
Tensile Modulus	80-90 ksi
Elongation at Break Percentage	150-300%
Flexural Strength (non-reprocessed)	3.5 ksi
Flexural Modulus	86-88 ksi
Compressive Strength (non-reprocessed)	3 ksi
Compressive Modulus (non-reprocessed)	80 ksi
Izod Impact (notched)	No Break
Hardness, Shore (reprocessed only)	D70
Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion	7.8-11 x 10^-5 in./in./°F
Heat Deflection Temp. at 26.4 ksi (non-reprocessed)	532-534 °F
Water Absorption %, 24hrs	0.01%
Thermal Conductivity	2.84 BTU-in/hr-ft^2-°F

Chemistry Information
Element	Percentage
Polyethylene	97 min
Zinc stearate	2 max