| Plastic type |
key performance |
Typical industrial applications |
| POM |
High rigidity, wear-resistant, self-lubricating |
Gears, bearings, camshafts, valve components |
| PA |
Good toughness, fatigue resistance, oil resistance |
Pulley, chain guide, conveyor belt components |
| PTFE |
High temperature resistance (260 ºC), chemical inertness, extremely low friction |
Sealing rings, liners, chemical pipeline liners |
| UHMWPE |
Impact resistant and wear-resistant (better than steel) |
Material bin liner, conveyor chute, artificial joint |
| PC |
High transparency and impact resistance |
Windows, protective covers, instrument casings |
| PEEK |
High temperature resistance (250 ºC), high strength |
Aerospace components, high-temperature pump valve parts |
| ABS |
Easy to process, smooth surface |
Control panel, casing, ventilation duct |
Polyethylene (PE) materials exhibit significant differences in performance and application areas due to their varying molecular weights (MW). The following are the classification, performance characteristics, and typical applications of PE with different molecular weights:
1. Low molecular weight polyethylene (LMWPE)
Molecular weight range: usually<10000
Performance characteristics:
Low viscosity, easy to process, waxy or liquid at room temperature.
Low mechanical strength, but good flexibility and excellent chemical stability.
Main applications:
Lubricant: added to plastic or rubber to improve processing performance.
Wax products: used for candles, packaging coatings, or cosmetic substrates.
Paint: As the basic material for waterproof or anti-corrosion coatings.
2. Medium molecular weight polyethylene (MMWPE)
Molecular weight range: approximately 10000-100000
Performance characteristics:
It has both processability and mechanical properties, with good impact resistance and wear resistance.
Softer than HDPE, but stronger than LMWPE.
Main applications:
Injection molded products: such as household containers, toys, etc.
Fiber: used for ropes, fishing nets, etc.
Film: Partial packaging film or agricultural covering film.
3. High molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE)
Molecular weight range: approximately 100000-500000
Performance characteristics:
High impact resistance, wear resistance, chemical corrosion resistance, but increased processing difficulty.
The tensile strength is significantly improved, making it suitable for load-bearing scenarios.
Main applications:
Industrial components: gears, bearings, conveyor rails, etc.
Large containers: chemical storage tanks, blow molded drums.
High performance film: shopping bags, garbage bags.
4. Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)
Molecular weight range:>1000000 (usually 3-6 million)
Performance characteristics:
Extremely high wear resistance (8 times that of steel) and impact resistance (even at low temperatures).
Excellent self-lubricating and biocompatibility, but extremely high melt viscosity, requiring special processing (such as sintering or pressing).
Main applications:
Medical field: artificial joints, orthopedic implants.
Bulletproof materials: bulletproof vests, armor plates.
Industrial wear-resistant components: conveyor belt lining, ski base.
Marine engineering: cables, fishing nets (resistant to seawater corrosion).
5. Ultra low molecular weight polyethylene (ULMWPE)
Molecular weight range:<5000
Performance characteristics:
Approaching wax or oil like, with strong adhesion.
Main applications:
Adhesive: Used for bonding paper and metal.
Cosmetic additives: increase lubricity or glossiness.
Summary of the Influence of Molecular Weight on Performance
Low molecular weight PE → ultra-high molecular weight PE
Low mechanical strength → extremely high
Poor wear resistance → extremely excellent
Easy to process → extremely difficult (requiring special techniques)
High flexibility → Low (increased rigidity)
Choose Suggestions
Packaging/daily necessities: Priority should be given to HDPE or MMWPE (balance performance and cost).
High wear resistance/medical grade: UHMWPE (despite its high cost, it has a long lifespan).
Lubrication/Coating: LMWPE or ULMWPE.
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