UltraHigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE)

What makes UHMW-PE such a distinctive and useful material?  It’s the combination of excellent properties – outstanding abrasion resistance, superior impact resistance, non-sticking and self-lubricating properties and excellent mechanical properties, even in cryogenic conditions.

UHMW-PE is an extremely high viscosity polymer that is produced in the form of a powder and has an average particle size diameter typically ranging from 100-200 microns. As a result of its viscosity, it generally cannot be processed by the common methods used for ordinary thermoplastics. Thus, compression molding and ram extrusion processes are used to generate the high pressures needed to fuse UHMW-PE particles together and then, typically, are used to form the material into stock shapes or profiles with subsequent machining, as necessary.

Because of its abrasion resistance, chemical resistance and good frictional properties, major application areas of UHMW-PE include bulk material handling, food and beverage machinery; chemical, mining and mineral processing equipment, recreational equipment, transportation and orthopedic implants.

GUR UHMW-PE can also be gel processed for such applications as battery separators, synthetic paper or high-strength fiber applications. The free sintering process can be used to produce porous parts such as filters, wicking parts and fluid delivery components.

With its GUR® UHMW-PE, GHR® HMW-PE and VHMW-PE and its GUR® and Hostalloy® UHMW-PE products, Ticona is the largest global supplier with the broadest UHMW-PE portfolio in the industry. Included in this portfolio are GUR Specialty Products which are used to fabricate porous and filtration parts and as additives for paints, coatings or material matrix modifiers.