Food Grade Virgin White UHMWPE pipe:

What is UHMWPE?

U.H.M.W.P.E. symbolizes Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene which means the average molecular weight is greater than 3,100,000 as defined by ASTM D4020 standards for UHMWPE. UHMWPE is a linear polyolefin which is made up of extremely long chains of polyethylene that all align in the same direction. Polymers are large molecules built from monomers and UHMWPE's monomer is ethylene. Resin with a molecular weight greater than 3,100,000 is well above the molecular weight of most typical polymers, which are between 10,000 and 1,000,000, hence earning the term UHMWPE. Commercially offered resins are available from 3-6 million molecular weight. Resins in the 3.1-4.5 range have the best combination of impact strength and abrasion resistance. The molecular weight of UHMWPE must be approximated using the solution viscosity procedure found in ASTM D4020.

For Polyethylene molecular weight classification, the following guidelines can be used:

HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) 100,000 - 400,000

HMWHDPE (High Molecular Weight High Density Polyethylene) 500,000 - 1,999,999

VHMWHDPE (Very High Molecular Weight High Density Polyethylene) 2,000,000 - 3,099,999

UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) 3,100,000 +

Properties of UHMWPE:

1. Excellent abrasion resistance

2. Excellent impact strength (the highest of any plastic)

3. Superior chemical resistance even to the most aggressive chemicals

4. Greater chemical resistance than HDPE, polyurethane, steel, polyacetal and nylon.

5. Water repellent highly resistant to hydrolysis

6. Biologically inert

7.Excellent dielectric & insulting properties

8. Stress crack resistant

UHMWPE is frequently used in the material handling industry, including food contact surfaces, as it is acceptable under FDA and USDA guidelines. It is used in lead-acid battery separators, medical implants, filters and a wide variety of other applications.

FDA Test Report:

 Food Grade Virgin White UHMWPE pipes: