PE-UHMW vs PMMA (Acrylic): 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
PE-UHMW vs PMMA (Acrylic)
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
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).
PMMA (Acrylic)
Polymethylmethacrylate — the optical-quality plastic. 92% light transmission (better than glass). Excellent weathering resistance and UV stability. Hard but brittle (no yielding — fractures). Trade names include Plexiglas (Röhm/Evonik), Perspex (Lucite), Acrylite (Mitsubishi). Used for signs, displays, light guides, automotive tail lamps, aquariums, skylights, and protective shields.
| PE-UHMW | PMMA (Acrylic) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 11542 | ISO 10350 |
Chemical composition (wt%) — Pro
| Element | PE-UHMW | PMMA (Acrylic) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Polymer (Polyethylene, UHMW) | 99.5–99.9% | — | — |
| Base Polymer (Polymethyl Methacrylate) | — | 99–99.9% | — |
Mechanical properties — Pro
| Property | PE-UHMW | PMMA (Acrylic) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 39–48 | 50–75 | MPa |
| Yield Strength | 19–23 | — | MPa |
| Elongation | 250–450 | 2–6 | % |
| Elastic Modulus | |||
| Density | |||
| hardness_shore_d | |||
| Glass Transition Temp (Tg) | |||
| light_transmission | |||
| Water Absorption (24h) |
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PE-UHMW and PMMA (Acrylic) have significantly different compositions (0% overlap). These materials are not interchangeable and serve different application areas.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PE-UHMW the same as PMMA (Acrylic)?
PE-UHMW and PMMA (Acrylic) have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace PE-UHMW with PMMA (Acrylic)?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (0% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between PE-UHMW and PMMA (Acrylic)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. PE-UHMW is a Polymers grade, while PMMA (Acrylic) 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.