Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) pipes were listed as a key national scientific and technological achievement promotion project by the State Science and Technology Commission Document No. (2000) 056 in 2001. They belong to new chemical materials and products. The State Planning Commission and the Ministry of Science and Technology have designated UHMWPE pipes as a priority high-tech industrialization key project for current development. The extremely high molecular weight endows it with extraordinary performance. Its wear resistance, impact resistance, corrosion resistance, self-lubrication, and impact resistance have significant advantages among existing engineering plastics. It is known as "a miraculous plastic" internationally.
The performance characteristics of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene pipes:
1. Excellent wear resistance: The wear resistance of UHMWPE is 2-3 times that of ordinary polyethylene, and even exceeds that of ordinary metals. It is 7 times that of carbon steel and 10 times that of stainless steel.
2. Extremely high impact resistance: The impact resistance of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene at room temperature is even twice that of polycarbonate, which is renowned for its impact resistance. Even at liquid nitrogen temperature (-196°), it still maintains excellent impact resistance. This characteristic enables the application of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene to the field of low-temperature engineering.
3. Self-lubrication: The inner wall of UHMWPE pipes is smooth, with an extremely low friction coefficient and excellent self-lubricating properties. The inner wall of the pipes is not prone to adhesion or scaling, and the flow resistance is low.
4. Corrosion Resistance: UHMWPE has high chemical stability and is resistant to the erosion of various corrosive media and organic solvents.
5. Lighter weight: The density of UHMWPE is approximately 0.94 g/cm³, which is smaller than that of all other engineering plastics. This makes it easier to install and use.
6. Hygiene: UHMWPE complies with the hygiene standards of developed countries and can even be used in areas where direct human contact is possible.
