About Polyethylene Polymer Material (Ultra High Molecular Weight PE)

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Polymer Polyethylene Overview

Polyethylene polymer is a type of thermoplastic resin consisting of a very long chain of molecules (polymer) to which many ethylenes are bonded.　It is characterized by its extremely high molecular weight (generally over 1 million),It has even better properties than ordinary polyethylene (such as low-density polyethylene and high-density polyethylene).This ultra-high molecular weight is the reason why high molecular weight polyethylene is used in special applications.

Symbols and common names for polymer polyethylene

In general, there is no specific unified symbol, but among us designers, it is sometimes called "ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, ultra-high molecular PE, high-performance polyethylene," etc.

Also referred to as UHMW-PE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene).

Characteristics of Polyethylene Polymer

Polymer polyethylene is aultrahigh-molecular-weight wifeto have the following outstanding features.

• High abrasion resistance: exhibits the highest level of abrasion resistance of any plastic. Material is extremely resistant to wear, even when compared to metals and other engineering plastics
• Low coefficient of friction：Excellent self-lubricity and very low coefficient of frictionTherefore, it has excellent performance as a sliding part.
• Excellent impact resistance:Maintains high impact resistance even at low temperatures and is resistant to crackingwith a
• Good chemical resistance: Stable against many chemicals, including acids, alkalis, and solvents.
• Food Hygiene:Non-toxic and can be used for applications in direct contact with food。
• Electrical insulation:Excellent electrical insulation properties。

On the other hand, the following points should be noted

• Heat resistance:Continuous use temperatures are relatively low, and the product tends to soften at high temperatures。
• Formability:High viscosity makes it difficult to apply common plastic molding methods such as injection moldingIn some cases Compression molding and extrusion molding are used.
• Adhesion:Difficult to bond due to slippery surfaceIn some cases.

Applications of Molecular Polyethylene in Mechanical Parts

The main applications when used for machine parts are as follows

• Sliding parts: Gears, bearings, slide plates, chain guides, conveyor guides, and other parts that reduce wear and ensure smooth motion.
• Lining materials: Inner lining of hoppers and chutes, tank linings, and other applications to prevent adhesion of powders, liquids, etc. and to control wear.
• Sealing materials: Packing, gaskets, and other sealing components that take advantage of high abrasion and chemical resistance.
• Conveying parts: Rollers, screw conveyors, and other conveying parts that take advantage of wear resistance and low coefficient of friction.
• Others: Artificial joints, medical equipment parts, textile machinery parts, paper manufacturing machinery parts, and other fields requiring special environments or high performance.

Names of polymer polyethylene materials by each material manufacturer

Each material manufacturer offers polymer polyethylene materials under its own trade name. Typical examples are listed below.

• DuPont (now Celanese): Hifax®.
• Mitsui Chemicals: HAIZEX® Million
• Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials (formerly Quadrant Polypenco): TIVAR®, Borotron®.
• AGC: Fluorotect® UHMW

*The above names may be further subdivided according to each manufacturer's product grade.

Material similar to polymer polyethylene material

Materials with similar properties to polymer polyethylene include

1. High-density polyethylene (HDPE): Excellent in chemical resistance and electrical insulation, but inferior to polymer polyethylene in abrasion resistance.
2. Polypropylene (PP): Lightweight and chemical resistant, but inferior to polymer polyethylene in abrasion and impact resistance.
3. Polyacetal (POM): Superior mechanical strength and abrasion resistance, but chemical resistance differs from that of polymer polyethylene.
4. Polyamide (PA): Excellent mechanical strength and abrasion resistance, but absorbs water.
5. Fluoropolymers (PTFE, etc.): ExtremelyLow coefficient of friction　and excellent chemical resistance, but abrasion resistance may be equal to or inferior to that of polymer polyethylene.

That's it.