UHMW material, fully known as Ultra - High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, is a thermoplastic engineering plastic with a relative molecular mass usually above 1.5 million (commercial products commonly range from 1.5 to 10.2 million).
Excellent wear resistance: Top - notch among plastics, even exceeding some metals. Long, regular molecular chains and high crystallinity disperse stress under friction, ideal for wear parts like textile machinery shuttles.
Strong impact resistance: Maintains high impact resistance at room temperature and even in extreme cold (e.g., liquid helium at -269°C). Peak impact strength at ~2 million molecular weight, suitable for low - temperature engineering.
Low friction coefficient: 0.1 - 0.3 dry, 0.05 - 0.10 with water lubrication. Self - lubricating, perfect for bearings and bushings.
Chemical resistance: Stable in most alkalis and acids (e.g., 80°C HCl, <20% HNO₃, <75% H₂SO₄), except concentrated nitric/sulfuric acids. Prone to swelling in high - temperature aromatics/halogenated compounds.
Weather & water resistance: Virtually zero water absorption, UV - resistant (enhanced with anti - aging agents).
Other properties: FDA - approved for food/medical contact, excellent electrical insulation, ductile at low temps, non - toxic.
