PE-HD vs PE-UHMW: Same PE family — UHMW far tougher and more wear-resistant
PE-HD vs PE-UHMW
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
PE-HD
High Density Polyethylene — the highest-volume plastic globally (>30M tons/year). Linear chains with minimal branching give higher density and strength vs LDPE. Excellent chemical resistance, FDA/food-safe, very low moisture absorption, and good impact resistance down to -30°C. Used for pipes, bottles, containers, fuel tanks, cutting boards, playground equipment, and geomembranes.
PE-UHMW
Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene — the highest impact-strength thermoplastic. Molecular weight 2-6 million g/mol. Self-lubricating, extremely wear-resistant (15x better than carbon steel), and chemically inert. Used for hip/knee implant bearings, conveyor guides, dock fenders, chute liners, food processing equipment, and ballistic armor (Dyneema/Spectra fiber form).
| PE-HD | PE-UHMW | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 1872 | ISO 11542 |
Mechanical properties
| Property | PE-HD | PE-UHMW | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 25–38 | 39–48 | MPa |
| yield_strength | 22–30 | 19–23 | MPa |
| elongation | 100–1000 | 250–450 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
PE-HD has higher stiffness (E-Mod 1.1 vs 0.6 GPa) and is melt-processable (injection moldable). PE-UHMW has 15x better abrasion resistance and much higher impact strength but cannot be injection molded (sintered only). Choose PE-HD for pipes/bottles/containers; PE-UHMW for wear liners and bearings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PE-HD the same as PE-UHMW?
PE-HD and PE-UHMW have a 55% composition overlap. Same PE family — UHMW far tougher and more wear-resistant
Can I replace PE-HD with PE-UHMW?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (55% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between PE-HD and PE-UHMW?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. PE-HD is a Polymers grade, while PE-UHMW is a Polymers grade.
Related Comparisons
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Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.