PE-UHMW vs POM-C (Acetal Copolymer): 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
PE-UHMW vs POM-C (Acetal Copolymer)
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).
POM-C (Acetal Copolymer)
Polyoxymethylene Copolymer — the precision engineering plastic. Exceptional dimensional stability, low moisture absorption (0.2%), low friction coefficient, and excellent machinability. More hydrolysis-resistant and chemically stable than POM-H (homopolymer). No centerline porosity in stock shapes. Trade names include Hostaform (Celanese), Ertacetal C (MCAM), Duracon (Polyplastics). Used for gears, bearings, valve bodies, pump parts, electrical insulators, and food/medical contact parts.
| PE-UHMW | POM-C (Acetal Copolymer) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 11542 | ISO 10350 |
Chemical composition (wt%) — Pro
| Element | PE-UHMW | POM-C (Acetal Copolymer) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Polymer (Polyethylene, UHMW) | 99.5–99.9% | — | — |
| Polyoxymethylene (OCH2 units) | — | 95–99% | — |
| Ethylene Oxide Co-Monomer | — | 1–5% | — |
Mechanical properties — Pro
| Property | PE-UHMW | POM-C (Acetal Copolymer) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 39–48 | 60–67 | MPa |
| Yield Strength | 19–23 | 58–62 | MPa |
| Elongation | 250–450 | 25–45 | % |
| Elastic Modulus | |||
| Density | |||
| hardness_shore_d | |||
| Melting Point | |||
| Water Absorption (24h) | |||
| Continuous Use Temp |
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PE-UHMW and POM-C (Acetal Copolymer) 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 POM-C (Acetal Copolymer)?
PE-UHMW and POM-C (Acetal Copolymer) have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace PE-UHMW with POM-C (Acetal Copolymer)?
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 POM-C (Acetal Copolymer)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. PE-UHMW is a Polymers grade, while POM-C (Acetal Copolymer) 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.