More

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene

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
DSM™
Honeywell™
Other suppliers

Common Types & Deniers
Spectra: S900, S1000
Dyneema: SK62, SK65, SK75
Deniers: 50-5400

Connect with a Product Expert

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

Product bulletin: UHMWPE

Explore product information and technical properties

Fiber Selection Guide

Compare fiber properties and technical data

Fiber Conversion Calculator

Convert fiber measurements with this tool

UHMWPE Data
Resources
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
NAME CATEGORY DESCRIPTION  
Fiber Selection Guide Product Selection Guide Compare fiber properties and technical data View
UHMWPE Product/Service Overview Explore product information and technical properties View

Looking for more? We can help!

Contact us with your specific requirements