UHMWPE

Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE, UHMW) is a subset of the thermoplastic polyethylene. Also known as high-modulus polyethylene, (HMPE), or high-performance polyethylene (HPPE), it has extremely long chains, with a molecular mass usually between 2 and 6 million u. The longer chain serves to transfer load more effectively to the polymer backbone by strengthening intermolecular interactions.

This result in a very tough material, with the highest impact strength of any thermoplastic presently made. UHMWPE is a linear, low-pressure, Ziegler-type-catalyst, polyethylene resin. Its weight-average molecular weight of 4 X 106 is approximately ten times that of high molecular weight, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) resins. UHMWPE has both he highest abrasion resistance and highest impact strength of any plastic. In fact, a 25mm (1") thick slap can stop a 0.38 caliber pistol slug at 150 mm (6"). Combined with abrasion resistance and toughness, the low coefficient of friction of UHMWPE yields a self-lubricating, non-stick surface. Static and dynamic coefficients are significantly lower than steel and most plastic materials.