Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)
Lightweight & Abrasion Resistant
History
Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) was first polymerized in the 1950’s. The first UHMWPE fibers were commercialized in the late 1970’s.
Composition
UHMWPE is a type of polyolefin that is composed of very long chains of polyethylene with a very high percentage of parallel orientation and high level of crystallinity. The extremely long polymer chains enable load transfer by strengthening intermolecular interactions. UHMWPE fibers are manufactured in a gel spinning process.
Manufacturers
Avient
Honeywell™
Other suppliers
Common Types & Deniers
Spectra: S900, S1000
Dyneema: SK62, SK65, SK75
Deniers: 50-5400
Impact
- Excellent strength to weight ratio
- High abrasion resistance
- Low specific gravity
- UV stable
- Chemically inert except for strong oxidizing acids
- Resistant to fatigue & internal friction
UHMWPE Data
| Property | Standard Modulus | High Modulus |
|---|---|---|
| Breaking Tenacity (g/d) | 28.0 | 38 |
| Specific Gravity (ratio) | 0.97 | 0.97 |
| Elongation at Break (%) | 3.5 | 3.1 |
| Tensile Modulus (g/d) | 850 | 1250 |
| Equilibrium Moisture Regain at 55% RH (%) | <0.1 | <0.1 |
| Creep at 40-48% ult tensile strength (%) | 1.7-5.0 | 1.7-5.0 |
| Shrinkage dry air 177 ̊ 30 mins (%) | Melts | Melts |
| Melt Point ( ̊C) | 135 | 135 |
