Serious consideration of this material

UHMW-PE stands for Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene. It is the highest quality polyethylene (PE) available, engineered for tough jobs and a wide range of applications. It delivers savings in a number of difficult applications. Ultra High Molecular Weight is the secret of this polymer’s unique properties. Its high-density polyethylene resin has a molecular weight range of 3 to 6 million, compared to 300,000 to 500,000 for high molecular weight (HMW) resins. That difference is what ensures that this material is strong enough to withstand abrasion and impact better than lower level poly products. UHMW-PE’s high molecular weight means it will not melt or flow as a molten liquid. Processing methods are therefore derived from those of powder metal technology. UHMW-PE cannot be transformed and molded by conventional plastic processing techniques (injection molding, blow molding or thermoforming). Compression molding is the most common conversion process used with this resin because it produces a stronger, more consistent product.

WHAT IS TIVAR®?

TIVAR® is the brand name (from Poly-Hi) for a special formulation of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE). UHMW-PE is a unique family of high-density polyethylene with a molecular weight 3 million or higher. UHMW-PE is a high performance polymer with a high melt viscosity that can be extruded, fabricated or compression molded.

WHAT DOES TIVAR® STAND FOR?

TIVAR® is an acronym for Tough Inert Very Abrasion Resistant.

WHAT ARE THE KEY PROPERTIES OF TIVAR® UHMW-PE?

TIVAR® is known for its high abrasion resistance, natural lubrication, high impact strength, chemical-, corrosion-, and moisture-resistance and acoustic impedance.

WHY USE TIVAR®?

Due to its abrasion-, corrosion-, chemical- and moisture-resistant properties, TIVAR® is commonly used in applications where conditions may be too harsh for other materials. It is a cost-effective high performance polymer used to produce low cost, high quality parts.

HOW DOES TIVAR® COMPARE TO OTHER MATERIALS?

In most cases, TIVAR® will out-wear materials such as Nylon, Teflon® or Acetal. It can also outperform metals such as steel and aluminum when used in the proper applications. Material performance is of course dependent on the specific environmental conditions.

WHERE IS UHMW USED?

UHMW is a self-lubricating material which exhibits excellent wear and abrasion properties as well as adding extremely high impact strength. A few of the markets which would utilize these attributes would be snowboard bottoms, package handling, packaging, food processing and automotive.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF UHMW-PE?

The high molecular weight is what gives UHMW-PE a unique combination of high impact strength efficient of friction and abrasion resistance that outwears carbon steel 10 to 1 making it more suitable for applications where lower molecular weight grades fail.

Low Cost, durable, need to investigate strength over longer lengths.

Easily Meltable and Moldable
One of the primary benefits of this plastic material comes from its inherent malleability. With this in mind, HDPE in particular excels. Thanks to a high melting point, HDPE remains rigid until very high temperatures. However, once it’s reached its melting point, the plastic material can be quickly and efficiently molded for use across a variety of unique applications including cutting boards, detergent bottles, milk jugs, food storage containers, corrosion-resistant piping, geomembranes, plastic lumber, and so much more.

Corrosion Resistance
HDPE resists mold, mildew, and rotting, making it the ideal material for underground piping used to deliver water. Long-lasting and weather-resistant, HDPE can be sterilized by boiling, making it an ideal material for food and beverage containers. Additionally, HDPE can withstand most strong mineral acids and bases and has excellent resistance to naturally occurring chemicals found in soil. Moreover, the material is virtually impervious to most common chemicals, water, solvents, acids, detergents, and cleaning fluids.

Large Strength to Density Ratio
The density of HDPE can range from 0.93 to 0.97 g, although the density of HDPE is only marginally higher than LDPE (low-density polyethylene). However, when under the microscope, HDPE’s linear structure means the material has little branching, which offers it stronger intermolecular forces and tensile strength than LDPE. It’s for this reason that a 60-gram HDPE container can safely carry over a gallon of liquid or roughly eight pounds of weight.

Easily Recycled
Considering how much plastic we use in our day-to-day lives, one of the most important factors when deciding on a material is plastic recycling. Fortunately, HDPE plastic is easily recyclable, helping keep non-biodegradable waste out of landfills, while helping reduce plastic production by up to 50 percent! If you’re looking for a cost-effective, environmentally responsible material, HDPE may be the plastic for you.

Why Use HDPE?
HDPE often replaces heavier materials which help companies and individuals alike pursue sustainable and affordable manufacturing and project goals. Thanks to its high malleability, rigid strength, and corrosion resistance. HDPE is the perfect combination of strength, cost-efficiency, and environmental friendliness.