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GUR UHMW-PE

GUR UHMW-PE

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene

GUR ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) is a linear polyethylene with a much higher molecular weight than standard PE. It offers outstanding abrasion resistance, superior impact resistance, non-sticking and self-lubricating properties, plus excellent mechanical characteristics, even in cryogenic conditions.

Overview

Product overview

UHMW-PE is a linear polyethylene that differs from PE standard grades in its very high degree of polymerization.

GUR UHMW-PE is an ultra-high-performance polyethylene powder that includes both ultra-high molecular weight and high molecular weight polyethylene. First produced in Oberhausen, Germany, in 1955, GUR UHMW-PE has become synonymous with high quality, high strength performance, and innovation—it is a unique thermoplastic and engineering polymer. What is GUR UHMW-PE? UHMW-PE is an extremely high molecular weight polymer generally produced in powder form. Its particle size typically ranges from 100 to 150 microns, but grades with much lower and much higher particle sizes are also available. GUR UHMW-PE has an extremely high melt viscosity, so it cannot generally be processed by the common methods used for ordinary thermoplastics. As a manufacturer of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE), Celanese supports customers with regard to all aspects of processing. The most common processes for making stock shapes and profiles are compression molding and ram extrusion because they allow the application of the high pressures needed to fuse UHMW-PE particles together. Stock shapes or profiles are then typically machined into the final required shape by a subsequent machining step. For more information about GUR ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene please contact one of our experts.

Why GUR UHMW-PE?Because of its abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and good frictional properties, GUR UHMW-PE is ideal for the following applications: Transportation. Orthopedic implants. Bulk material handling. Food and beverage machinery. Mining and mineral processing equipment. Recreational equipment. GUR UHMW-PE can also be gel extruded for applications such as battery separators, synthetic paper, or high-strength fiber. A pressure-less sintering process results in porous parts, for, e.g., filtration, wicking, or sound dampening. Celanese also offers special UHMW-PE grades in pellet form that can be used for injection molding or screw extrusion.

Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) UHMW-PE is a linear, low-pressure polyethylene resin.Its average molecular weight of approximately one to ten million g/mol is roughly ten times higher than that of high molecular weight polyethylene (HMW-PE) and even 100 times higher than that of standard HDPE. The extremely long polymer chains of UHMW-PE result in several unique properties, including the highest abrasion resistance and impact strength of any commercial plastic.

GUR UHMW-PE—A PFAS-free* Alternative to PTFE For customers looking to replace PTFE in their industrial or consumer products, explore the outstanding properties and benefits of GUR UHMW-PE. As an innovative and PFAS-free substitute for PTFE, GUR ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene delivers significant advantages across diverse applications, from enhancing lubricant performance to fabricating robust components for lithium-ion batteries. Known for its unparalleled low-friction and high-wear resistance characteristics, GUR UHMW-PE also delivers exceptional impact strength and processing versatility. Whether you need components with unmatched wear resistance for machinery or intend to develop products with significantly reduced mass, harnessing the unique properties of GUR UHMW-PE can advance your products toward enhanced efficiency and sustainability. Embrace the potential for innovation with GUR UHMW-PE, the next-generation solution for high-performance applications. Applications: Industrial products wear surfaces like chain guides and belt guards, sliding parts in manufacturing and warehousing, bearings, seals, and gaskets Non-porous films and microporous membranes EV Battery components for separator films or thermal management For noise and vibration reduction in acoustic panels or engine bay components Additives for lubricants and greases, rubbers, and other thermoplastics *GUR UHMW-PE contains no intentionally added PFAS

Properties

Properties and processing

Properties

  • Exceptionally high impact strength.
  • High energy absorption capacity at a high-stress rate.
  • Excellent wear-resistant properties.
  • Low coefficient of friction.
  • Very high chemical resistance to acids, alkalis, and other chemicals.
  • Highly resistant to environmental stress cracking.
  • Wide service temperature range from -270°C to 80°C.
  • Contains no intentionally added PFAS.

Technical Attributes

  • Drinking water approvals.
  • Medical grades available.
  • Tribological performance.
  • Unfilled.
  • Food contact approvals.
  • High impact strength.
  • Low melt flow.
  • Wear resistance.

Processing

  • Compression molding.
  • Ram extrusion.
  • Pressure-less sintering.
  • Gel extrusion.
  • Injection molding.

Sustainability

Grades

Resources

Brochures and reference materials

The materials in this section are organized for reference based on publicly available Celanese Corporation materials. Copyright and trademark rights belong to the respective rights holders, and the latest versions and official usage terms should be confirmed on the official Celanese page.

Water pouring from a sink into a water filter.
Small plastic containers being filled in a factory.
GUR
Small plastic containers being filled in a factory.