Polyethylene or polyethene is a thermoplastic commodity heavily used in consumer products (over 60M tons are produced worldwide every year). Its name originates from the monomer ethene, also known as ethylene, used to create the polymer. Polyethylene stock shapes are classified into three different categories based mostly on its density and branching. The mechanical properties of PE depend significantly on variables such as the extent and type of branching, the crystal structure, and the molecular weight.

UHMWPE is polyethylene with a molecular weight numbering in the millions, usually between 3.1 and 5.67 million. The high molecular weight results in less efficient packing of the chains into the crystal structure as evidenced by densities less than high density polyethylene (e.g. 0.935 - 0.930). The high molecular weight results in a very tough material. UHMWPE can be made through any catalyst technology, although Ziegler catalysts are most common. UHMWPE is used in high modulus fibers and in bulletproof vests.

  • ASTM D4020 FDA Compliant.
  • 0.125" through 2.50" Diameter available in full lengths only. 2.500" Diameter through 14.00" Diameter sold in foot increments.
Unit of Measure

Weight

N/A 3.120 lb/ft

Density (ASTM D792)

N/A 58.01 lb/ft³

Hardness - Durometer - Shore D (ASTM D2240)

N/A 68

Coefficient of Friction, Static

N/A 0.15

Coefficient of Friction, Dynamic

N/A 0.12

Tensile Strength at Break (ASTM D638)

N/A 5800 psi

Tensile Modulus (ASTM D638)

N/A 120000 psi

Elongation - Yield (ASTM D638)

N/A 15 %

Tensile Elongation, Break

N/A 250 %

Flexural Modulus

N/A 110000 psi

Izod Impact

N/A 34 ft·lb/in

Tensile Impact Strength (DIN 53448)

N/A 1050 ft·lb/in²

Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion

N/A 11 x 10-5 in/in/ºF

Maximum Operating Temperature

N/A 180 ºF

Volume Resistivity (ASTM D257)

N/A > 1015 ohm·cm

Standard Length

N/A 10 ft5 ft

N/A

  • FDA / USDA Compliant (Natural).
  • 6 times more abrasion-resistant than steel.
  • Environmentally Friendly.
  • Virtually Unbreakable / No Notch Sensitivity.
  • Won’t Chip, Peel, Crack or Rot.
  • Chemical / Corrosion Resistant.
  • No Moisture Absorption.
  • Light Weight / Floats In Water.