PE-UHMW vs PTFE (Teflon): 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
PE-UHMW vs PTFE (Teflon)
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).
PTFE (Teflon)
Polytetrafluoroethylene — the most chemically resistant polymer. Lowest friction coefficient of any solid material (~0.05-0.10). Service range -240°C to +260°C continuous. Cannot be melt-processed — must be sintered from powder (like ceramics). Very low mechanical strength. Trade name Teflon (Chemours/DuPont). Used for seals, gaskets, bearings, non-stick coatings, chemical reactor linings, electrical insulation, and lab equipment.
| PE-UHMW | PTFE (Teflon) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 11542 | ISO 12086 |
Chemical composition (wt%) — Pro
| Element | PE-UHMW | PTFE (Teflon) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Polymer (Polyethylene, UHMW) | 99.5–99.9% | — | — |
| Base Polymer (Polytetrafluoroethylene) | — | 99.5–99.9% | — |
Mechanical properties — Pro
| Property | PE-UHMW | PTFE (Teflon) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 39–48 | 20–35 | MPa |
| Yield Strength | 19–23 | — | MPa |
| Elongation | 250–450 | 200–400 | % |
| Elastic Modulus | |||
| Density | |||
| hardness_shore_d | |||
| Melting Point | |||
| Continuous Use Temp | |||
| friction_coefficient | |||
| Water Absorption (24h) | |||
| Tensile Strength | |||
| Tensile Modulus | |||
| Elongation at Break | |||
| Density | |||
| Melting Point | |||
| Continuous Use Temp | |||
| Coefficient of Friction | |||
| Dielectric Constant (1MHz) | |||
| Water Absorption (24h) |
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PE-UHMW and PTFE (Teflon) 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 PTFE (Teflon)?
PE-UHMW and PTFE (Teflon) have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace PE-UHMW with PTFE (Teflon)?
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 PTFE (Teflon)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. PE-UHMW is a Polymers grade, while PTFE (Teflon) 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.