UHMW-PE films improve rubber performance.

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE), best known for use in high-stress machine construction and filter technology parts, is also manufactured into exceptionally thin, high performance films. These films are said to provide outstanding service life in rubber hose, conveyor belt and profile applications.

Thin films made from UHMW-PE are said to improve the surface properties of a vast number of rubber products without compromising the many advantages of rubber. Whenever a UHMW-PE polymer surface layer is added to a rubber component, its technical properties are said to dramatically enhance performance. Due to its high degree of polymerization, UHMW-PE is said to display exceptional impact strength and abrasion resistance (commonly exceeding that of steel) and extremely low coefficient of friction. With UHMWPE, water absorption is zero. This material is also highly resistant to chemicals such as acids, alkalis and aggressive gases.

UHMW-PE film is available as both electrically conductive and non-conductive products. Conductive film furnishes static-dissipation, said to be critical in chemical hose or refuse-sorting conveyor belt applications. The film is also processed into excellent food industry safe white, blue, yellow or red colored films. The pigments formulated especially for these films conform to all of the customary regulations regarding food contact use. Ultraviolet light resistant versions are also available. Disposal of UHMW-PE typically is said to present no environmental obstacles.

The particular suitability of UHMW-PE for applications in combination with rubber is due to its distinctive chemical structure. This structure allows it to be permanently bonded to compounds such as EPDM, NMR and SBR by vulcanization alone. Further aids or additives, such as adhesives, are not required. Typically, only minor changes to existing production processes are needed to apply the film.

This method of using a layer of UHMW-PE is said to effectively and economically compensate for the intrinsic material weakness of rubber. Hoses, conveyor belts and rubber profiles receive a tough working surface, which is said to significantly increase durability and introduce new application opportunities.

Thin UHMW-PE films, when bonded to rubber hoses, are said to provide exceptional resistance to abrasion on the outer surfaces and superior resistance to chemicals on the inside. Applications requiring high abrasion resistance include hydraulic hose systems such as those found in robots or construction machines, where frequent and repetitive motions can cause severe wear and tear. Abrasion and wear can also worsen when hydraulic hoses are laid together in bundles. The low coefficient of friction, inherent in the UHMW-PE surface, is said to alleviate this concern.

The improved low-friction properties of a UHMW-PE film surface prevents sticking of substances on conveyor belts. Wiping-off mechanisms can be designed more effectively when used on UHMW-PE surfaced belts, resulting in considerably lower belt abrasion and wear.

The low friction properties and resistance to stickslip of UHMW-PE are said to be particularly important when providing a surface for high-wear areas in architectural and automotive applications. These thin film surfaces are said to exhibit major advantages in glassrun channels compared to conventional flock-coated products.

DeWal Industries

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