Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene: Introduction & Properties Fine Powdered UHMW-PE Moldable UHMW-PE Moldable UHMW-PE: Markets, applications, and benefits UHMW-PE offers excellent mechanical properties and abrasion resistance but its processability has been a challenge. Therefore, an injection and extrusion moldable UHMW-PE with high-processability is used to produce high-performance molded parts. It may be utilized as a replacement molding material, as a substitute for PTFE or as a tribology modifier in engineering plastics. It has a very low friction material when compared to other plastics. Parts produced with these materials have a longer life span due to efficient sliding properties of the material and work noiselessly even in a lubricant free environment. These materials offer the following advantages over other specialty engineering resins such as POM and PA66. Low friction coefficient Self-lubrication Excellent abrasion resistance Good impact strength Exceptional mechanical strength Strong chemical resistance Superior water resistance They are used in a broad range of applications including automotive, electronics, building materials and parts. Automotive Applications The properties such as self-lubrication, good sliding properties, high wear resistance, noiseless function and mechanical endurance offers clear advantages over traditional materials. The engineered polymer yields excellent parts with ultra-low water absorption and reduced weight due to the low specific gravity. It can replace POM, urethane, and other materials in certain automotive applications such as production of assist straps, seat belt components, glass run channels and shock-spacers for trucks. It can be used easily in an injection, extrusion, or insert mold process to produce automotive components. It can also be coextruded with EPDM which contributes to increased production efficiency and overall cost reduction. Engineering Plastics Modifier The moldable UHMW-PE materials exhibit better sliding properties than PTFE and molybdenum disulfide, when used as an additive in low dosage. It remarkably improves the sliding properties of PA6 when added in a 5-10% weight ratio. These materials also exhibit the lowest coefficient of friction, in ring abrasion tests, with a variety of materials including PA6, POM and S45C (Carbon Copper). Figure 3 shows that PA6 and POM test pieces produce a squeaking noise with PA6, POM and S45C rings. They work noiselessly and produces low friction with all three materials. PA6/ Moldable UHMW-PE 90:10 PA6 PA6/PTFE 90:10 Figure 1: Abrasion resistance comparison of PA6 modified with UHMW-PE and PA6 modified with PTFE Electronic/Electrical/Office Automation Equipment Parts Due to its excellent wear resistant properties, UHMW-PE is an ideal resin for use in electronic and electrical devices which subject components to high wear and stress. It can be used for making various types of printer rollers due to the material's high abrasion resistance and non-adhesion to printing ink and toner. It is also suitable for making paper holders, toner scrapper holders and paper sorting claws due to its sliding properties and noiseless function. It can efficiently replace POM, HIPS, fluoropolymers, polyester, rubber containing POM and some metals in various electronic applications. These materials display excellent electrical insulating properties and is suitable for use as primary insulation layer for providing protection to electrical cables. It can be used to produce lightweight, greaseless, abrasion-resistant gears and bearings with superb noiseless function. Other Applications These moldable materials can withstand alcohols, sulfuric acids, oils, hydrogen peroxide, phosphoric acid, and alkalis. They have excellent resistance to foodstuffs with only a few exceptions. They are formaldehyde free and available in grades which comply with food sanitation rules. It is therefore a good candidate for use in food-contact applications where a combination of self-lubricity and wear resistance is required. They can also be used in sound proofing applications due to its good noise absorption qualities which significantly contribute to reducing operating and impact noises. Bearings for film development processors, motor bearings for vending machines, chain/belt for food machinery, curtain rail rings, furniture rails/rollers, aqueduct valve parts and a host of other components can be produced using these materials.