Polyethylene (abbreviation: PE UHMW, PE HMW) is an engineering plastic (thermoplastic) that is very easy to process. Like all PE types, it has the second-lowest weight of all engineering plastics at approx. 0.95 g/cm³, and this alone offers a very interesting price basis. The moisture absorption of standard polyethylene is 0.0%, the modulus of elasticity is low at 800 N/mm², but the material is very attractive due to its high resistance to alkalis and acids, self-lubricating effect and easy plastic processing (cutting, milling, turning, water jet cutting, welding).

Especially PE UHMW with its sub-types and modifications is a very popular material for technical plastic parts in mechanical engineering subject to wear and abrasion (PE UHMW), as well as for linings in bulk material containers (bunker linings). On the one hand, it offers very low friction values due to its wax-like surface; on the other hand, it is a very tough and resistant material. To illustrate the abrasion resistance, producers of the raw material have developed a test in which a defined specimen is completely rotated in quartz sand for 24 hours and then the abrasion is determined on the basis of the abraded material. The following values were obtained :

These values are certainly very special and not representative everywhere, because a different abrasion & sliding friction value must of course be determined for each sliding pair, but the test already shows the very good properties of the UHMW PE for very abrasive materials.

PE UHMW and PE HMW are available like the standard types in natural, green & black as standard and in almost all special colors. In addition, the sheets can be UV stabilized for outdoor use, or further additives can be added to achieve a higher wear resistance or an antistatic or electrically conductive effect. If you have any questions, please contact us, we will find a solution for you!

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