G e n t e c h E n g in e e r in g P l a s t ic s

Polyethylene / UHMWPE Page 1

Technical Specifications

Product Name
Polyethylene / UHMWPE

Product Description / Composition

UHMWPE is an Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene. It performs well under the most rigorous conditions of
wear and environment because of its unique combination of physical and mechanical properties. UHMWPE is
particularly effective where no lubrication is available, or during operation in the presence of water.
Used widely for Gears, bearing, bushing, conveyor parts, wear surfaces, impact surfaces, liners, feed screws, non-
stick surfaces. UHMWPE offers a diversity of usage in tough applications in a wide range of industries.

Features and Benefits

„ It has the highest known impact strength of any thermoplastic currently available
„ High resistance to abrasion
„ Demonstrating only negligible weight loss when subjected to abrasion against copper, brass or steel
„ It has a very low coefficient of friction and extremely low moisture absorption

Applications
„ Chute and hopper linings (flow promotion)
„ Wear Parts
„ Food Machinery Equipment
„ Where electrical isolation is required

Physical Properties Metric Imperial

Specific Gravity 0.93 g/cc 0.0336 lb/in³
Water Absorption Max 0.01 % Max 0.01 %
Water Absorption at Saturation Max 0.01 % Max 0.01 %

Mechanical Properties Metric Imperial

Hardness, Shore D 66 66
Tensile Strength, Ultimate 40 MPa 5800 psi

P.O. Box 93345 Tel: 817-501 0265 P.O. Box 1750 Tel: +27 41-453 1900
Southlake, TX Fax: 817-442 9097 Port Elizabeth Fax: +27 41-451 4065
76092 barry@gentechpu.com 6000 sales@gentechpu.com
USA www.gentechpu.com South Africa www.gentechpu.com
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Polyethylene / UHMWPE Page 2

Mechanical Properties Metric Imperial

Elongation at Break 300 % 300 %
Tensile Modulus 0.689 GPa 100 ksi
Flexural Modulus 0.758 GPa 110 ksi
Flexural Yield Strength 24.1 MPa 3500 psi
Compressive Strength 20.7 MPa 3000 psi
Compressive Modulus 0.552 GPa 80 ksi
Shear Strength 33.1 MPa 4800 psi
Coefficient of Friction 0.12 0.12
K (wear) Factor 224 x 10-8 mm³/N-M 111 x 10-10 in³-min/ft-lb-hr
Limiting Pressure Velocity 0.0701 MPa-m/sec 2000 psi-ft/min
Izod Impact, Notched NB NB

Electrical Properties Metric Imperial

Surface Resistivity per Square Min 1e+015 ohm Min 1e+015 ohm
Dielectric Constant 2.3 2.3
Dielectric Strength 90.6 kV/mm 2300 V/mil
Dissipation Factor 0.0005 0.0005

Thermal Properties Metric Imperial

CTE, linear 68°F 216 µm/m-°C 120 µin/in-°F
Thermal Conductivity 0.409 W/m-K 2.84 BTU-in/hr-ft²-°F
Melting Point 135 °C 275 °F
Maximum Service Temperature, Air 82.2 °C 180 °F
Deflection Temperature at 1.8 MPa (264 psi) 46.7 °C 116 °F
Flammability, UL94 HB HB

Qualitative Processing Properties

Compliance - FDA Compliant
Machinability 3 1-10, 1=Easier to Machine
Service in Alcohols Acceptable
Service in Aliphatic Hydrocarbons Acceptable

P.O. Box 93345 Tel: 817-501 0265 P.O. Box 1750 Tel: +27 41-453 1900
Southlake, TX Fax: 817-442 9097 Port Elizabeth Fax: +27 41-451 4065
76092 barry@gentechpu.com 6000 sales@gentechpu.com
USA www.gentechpu.com South Africa www.gentechpu.com
G e n t e c h E n g in e e r in g P l a s t ic s
Polyethylene / UHMWPE Page 3

Qualitative Processing Properties

Service in Aromatic Hydrocarbons Unacceptable
Service in Chlorinated Solvents Acceptable
Service in Ethers Limited
Service in Ketones Limited
Service in Strong Acids Limited
Service in Strong Alkalies Acceptable
Service in Sunlight Limited
Service in Weak Acids Acceptable
Service in Weak Alkalies Acceptable

P.O. Box 93345 Tel: 817-501 0265 P.O. Box 1750 Tel: +27 41-453 1900
Southlake, TX Fax: 817-442 9097 Port Elizabeth Fax: +27 41-451 4065
76092 barry@gentechpu.com 6000 sales@gentechpu.com
USA www.gentechpu.com South Africa www.gentechpu.com