- Exceptional wear resistance
One of UHMWPE’s most notable properties is its extremely high abrasion resistance—surpassing many metals such as carbon steel, stainless steel, and bronze. Wear resistance increases as the polyethylene molecular weight rises. - Very high impact strength
UHMWPE’s impact strength correlates with molecular weight: below about 2,000,000 it increases with molecular weight and peaks around that value; beyond the peak, further increases in molecular weight can reduce impact strength. This is attributed to very long chains hindering crystallization, creating larger amorphous regions that absorb substantial impact energy. Even at −40 °C, UHMWPE retains excellent impact resistance, and it maintains good impact performance at cryogenic temperatures (≈ −269 °C), enabling use in low-temperature engineering. - Very low coefficient of friction
UHMWPE combines outstanding wear resistance with a low friction coefficient and self-lubricating behavior, making it ideal for bearings, bushings, sliders, and liner materials. Using UHMWPE in friction parts increases service life and can improve energy efficiency. - Excellent chemical resistance
UHMWPE resists corrosion in most alkalis and acids except concentrated nitric and sulfuric acids. It can be used in hot concentrated hydrochloric acid (around 80 °C) and remains stable in <20% HNO₃ and <75% H₂SO₄, as well as in water and liquid detergents. However, it swells readily in aromatic or halogenated hydrocarbons—especially at elevated temperatures—so care is required in those environments. - Very low water absorption
Water uptake is extremely low—effectively non-hygroscopic. It does not swell in water and absorbs far less moisture than nylon. - Thermal properties
By ASTM test (load 4.6 kg/cm²), the heat-deflection temperature is about 85 °C. Under light loads, service temperatures can reach ~90 °C, and in special cases even higher. Thanks to its exceptional toughness, UHMWPE also performs well at low temperatures; at −269 °C it still shows ductility with no signs of brittle fracture.
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