Mitsui Chemicals has introduced two UHMW-PE (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene) product families, Lubmer and Mipelon.

Lubmer and Mipelon offer improved sliding performance and wear resistance, and provide a lightweight, PFAS-free alternative to PTFE in applications that do not require extreme heat resistance.

Lubmer includes granules with tailored melt viscosities for injection molding and extrusion of sheets, plates, profiles and hoses.

Available in highly abrasion-resistant standard grades L3000, L4000, and L5000, Lubmer L5220 offers self-lubricating properties. The TM-80B grade has enhanced weather resistance, making it suitable for sliding applications, for example, in the automotive industry.

Lubmer LY1040 is formulated as a PFAS-free additive that is compatible with most engineering plastics. It can completely replace PTFE as a modifier to improve sliding properties even at addition levels as low as 3% to 5%. It also significantly increases the wear resistance of many engineering plastics, while leaving other performance properties virtually unaffected. LS4140 and LS4120 are ready-to-use PA-based compounds that also enhance strength. Together with the PA masterbatch grade LY4100 for dry dosing at the injection molding machine, they round out the Lubmer portfolio.

Mipelon is designed to be used with thermoplastics, rubbers, paints and protective coating.

Compatible particle size ranges from PM-200, equivalent to 10 µm, XM-220, equivalent to 30 µm, and XM-330, equivalent to 65 µm. With Mipelon, sliding performance and abrasion resistance performance improves up to 120 °C. The oil-compatible PM200C grade performs at temperatures as high as 200°C.

Mipelon powders often deliver lower coefficients of friction and higher long-term abrasion resistance.

They outperform PA11, PA12, and PE waxes in sustained sliding applications.

The UHMW-PEs can be used for chemically resistant surface coatings, powder, water-based, and solvent-based sprat or dip coatings.

The new ultra-fine grades further enhance lubricity and wear resistance, especially in thin coating layers.

They are also suitable for food contact and food-industry applications.