The largest volume thermoplastic polymer used today, is available in a wide variety of grades and formulations that have an equally wide range of properties. In general, however, polyethylenes are characterized by toughness, excellent chemical resistnace and electrical properties, low coefficient of friction, near-zero moisture absorption, and ease of processing. Although we stock only natural colored HDPE, LDPE is also available. Both PE s are available in black. UHMW has outstanding abrasion resistance and low coefficient of friction.
Impact strength is high, and chemical resistnace is excellent.
Recommended maximum service temperature is about 200 degrees F, however, because of a high coefficient of thermal expansion, with increasing temperature, the material swells, friction increases causing further temperature increase, and the melting temperature, and the melting temperature is soon approached. These plastics have outperformed other materials, including metals, in these applications. All olefins are available in many more sheet thickness sizes than listed below and in rod and tubing and some other mill shapes. Inc. This Web Site was designed to be viewed using Internet Explorer and Netscape versions 4.0 and higher. If you are using an outdated browser, some features may not be functional.