UHMW – ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (PE 1000)
The plastic with the highest abrasion and impact resistance, up to 80 °C
UHMW (UHMWPE, PE 1000) has chains so long that it does not flow like a common thermoplastic: it is compression molded into sheets and rods. The result is the plastic with the highest resistance to sliding abrasion and impact, with low friction and zero water absorption. The limit is temperature: about 80 °C in continuous service.
Designations and equivalents
| System | Designation |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation (ISO 1043) | PE-UHMW (PE 1000) |
| Trade names | TIVAR 1000 (MCAM); Polystone M (Roechling) |
Standards by product form
| Form | Standard |
|---|---|
| Resin | ASTM D4020* |
| Sheets and rods (PE-HD and PE-UHMW) | ISO 15527* |
| Food contact | FDA 21 CFR 177.1520; EU 10/2011 |
| Machined part to drawing | ISO 2768 tolerance or as per drawing |
Composition and filler
Nominal composition
| Component | Content |
|---|---|
| PE-UHMW | 100% (natural) |
| Special grades | antistatic, glass-filled, reprocessed (PE 1000 R) |
Mechanical properties
Typical values from the stock-shape manufacturer's catalog, 23 °C; ISO/ASTM methods as per the source
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 19 MPa |
| Modulus of elasticity (tensile) | 750 MPa |
| Elongation at break | >50% |
| Compressive strength | 17 MPa |
| Hardness | Shore D 60 |
| Notched impact | 115 kJ/m² |
Typical physical and thermal properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.93 g/cm³ |
| Maximum continuous service temperature | 80 °C |
| Maximum short-term temperature | 120 °C |
| Minimum service temperature | -200 °C |
| HDT (1.8 MPa) | 42 °C |
| Melting point or glass transition | 135 °C |
| Linear thermal expansion | 200 µm/m·K |
| Thermal conductivity | 0.4 W/m·K |
| Water absorption (24 h) | <0.01% |
| Water absorption (saturation) | <0.1% |
| Dielectric strength | 45 kV/mm |
| Flammability (UL 94) | HB |
Friction, wear and PV limit
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Dynamic coefficient of friction against steel | 0.12 (dynamic, dry against steel (MCAM QTM 55007); data sheet for the TIVAR 1000 EC version (conductive)) |
| PV limit (pressure × velocity) | 0.105 MPa·m/s (MCAM QTM 55007, dry against steel, safety factor 4:1 already applied; original 3,000 psi·ft/min; TIVAR 1000 EC data sheet) |
| Abrasion wear index | 100 (TIVAR 1000 = 100) (sand/water slurry test ISO 15527; lower = better) |
PV and friction depend on the test method, the mating surface (steel, stainless, roughness), lubrication and each manufacturer's safety factor: compare values from the same source and confirm by testing in critical applications.
Chemical resistance
| Medium | Resistance |
|---|---|
| Acids | Good (limited in strong oxidizers) |
| Bases (alkalis) | Excellent |
| Solvents | Good; ketones/esters limited; chlorinated acceptable (MCAM) |
| Hydrocarbons and oils | Aromatics unacceptable (cause swelling); aliphatics acceptable |
| Steam and hot water | Limited (temperature) |
Stock forms and sizes
- Sheet (plate)
- Rod (round bar)
- Extruded profiles
- Compression-molded sheets
- Raw material: rod (round bar), sheet (plate) and tube, cut to size
- Machined part to drawing or sample, in the same order as the metal parts
- Lot certificate of conformity; FDA/EU 10/2011 declaration when the grade allows
Service temperature, machining and assembly
| Item | Usual practice |
|---|---|
| Service temperature | Continuous service up to 80 °C, short peaks up to 120 °C; minimum -200 °C (unloaded; under load, limited by HDT and creep). |
| Annealing (stress relief) | Stress-relief annealing of large parts before machining. |
| Bonding and welding | Can be hot plate welded (with care); cannot be bonded without surface treatment (flame or plasma). |
| Machining | Machines easily with a sharp tool; high thermal expansion, so allow clearance. |
Typical applications
- Chain guides, profiles and wear strips for conveyors
- Linings for silos, chutes and truck beds (bulk flow)
- Scrapers, star wheels and filling screws
- Cutting boards and food industry parts
- Marine fenders and mining parts
Alternatives: Cast nylon when more stiffness and temperature are needed; POM for precision parts; HDPE for sheets without wear requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Which standards cover UHMW?
Resin: ASTM D4020*. Sheets and rods (PE-HD and PE-UHMW): ISO 15527*. Food contact: FDA 21 CFR 177.1520; EU 10/2011. Machined part to drawing: ISO 2768 tolerance or as per drawing.
Up to what temperature can UHMW be used?
Continuous service up to 80 °C, short peaks up to 120 °C; minimum -200 °C (unloaded; under load, limited by HDT and creep).
Which materials can replace UHMW?
Cast nylon when more stiffness and temperature are needed; POM for precision parts; HDPE for sheets without wear requirements.
Are UHMW and HDPE the same thing?
No. Both are polyethylene, but UHMW has a much higher molecular weight: it is far more resistant to abrasion and impact. HDPE is cheaper and suits sheets, tanks and boards without wear.
Can UHMW be used with food?
Yes, the natural grade complies with FDA (21 CFR 177.1520) and EU 10/2011. Ask for the lot declaration.
