What Is The Difference between Peek And Polyethylene in Terms of Strength?

Polyethylene is classified into several types. Here, we primarily refer to low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Regarding strength, we've selected key comparison indicators, such as tensile strength and flexural strength. The following are the comparison results:

1. Tensile Strength:

PEEK: Typically 90 MPa to 100 MPa or even higher.

Polyethylene:

LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): Approximately 7-17 MPa

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): Approximately 20-30 MPa

UHMWPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene): Has the highest tensile strength of polyethylene, typically around 40 MPa to 50 MPa.

2. Flexural Strength/Modus:

PEEK: Typically around 3.5 GPa to 4.5 GPa. This indicates that it is very rigid and highly resistant to bending deformation.

Polyethylene:

LDPE: Flexural modulus is approximately 0.1-0.3 GPa, making it very flexible. HDPE: Flexural modulus is approximately 0.8-1.5 GPa, offering some rigidity but still being relatively soft.

UHMWPE: Flexural modulus is relatively high, approximately 0.5-1.0 GPa, but still significantly lower than PEEK.

3. Compressive Strength:

PEEK: Offers excellent compressive strength, typically exceeding 100 MPa.

Polyethylene: Compressive strength is lower (LDPE and HDPE are typically in the 20-40 MPa range, with UHMWPE slightly higher).

4. Wear Resistance:

PEEK: Offers excellent wear resistance, particularly under both dry and lubricated conditions. Its wear resistance is generally superior to that of most metals and other engineering plastics.

Polyethylene:

LDPE/HDPE: Average wear resistance.

UHMWPE: Known for its excellent wear resistance and low coefficient of friction, it is a benchmark material for wear-resistant applications (such as artificial joint pads and silo linings).

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