Chemical Name: Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene
Common Names: UHMWPE, High Performance Polyethylene
Product Codes: Varies by manufacturer, common codes include PE-UHMW
CAS Number: 9002-88-4
Manufacturer: Typically listed on packaging or technical datasheets
Recommended Use: Bearings, liners, chute walls, conveyor systems, medical implants
Contact Information: Manufacturer or supplier contact details vary; refer to packaging for specifics
Physical Hazards: Solid polymer, low hazard in normal handling conditions
Health Hazards: Minimal risk, dust from machining may cause mild respiratory irritation, melted product can cause burns which require immediate medical attention
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as hazardous, not biodegradable, can persist in the environment
Label Elements: No specific hazard symbol required, may display standard warning for heated materials
Substance: Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene
Chemical Formula: (C₂H₄)n
Purity: Typically greater than 99% polyethylene
Additives: May contain trace stabilizers or processing aids like antioxidants
Impurities: Not expected in significant amounts, trace processing oil possible
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air if dust or fumes are inhaled, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water, treat molten plastic burns as thermal burns, do not attempt to remove solidified material from burns, seek immediate medical attention
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses, continue rinsing, seek medical advice if irritation continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, unlikely route of exposure, seek medical attention if large amounts are swallowed
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide extinguishers
Specific Hazards: May emit irritating fumes like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, aldehydes during combustion
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear standard protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus if heavy smoke forms
Special Procedures: Keep containers cool with water spray, prevent runoff from entering water drains or watercourses
Personal Precautions: Avoid generating dust, use protective clothing if handling large spills of powder or granules
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into waterways or drains, sweep up to avoid slip hazards
Cleanup Methods: Sweep or vacuum spilled material, dispose according to local regulations, avoid dry sweeping if dust is present to prevent inhalation
Safe Handling: Avoid generating dust during processing like cutting or grinding, use with adequate ventilation when working at elevated temperatures
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from sources of ignition or high heat, protect from direct sunlight which can degrade material over time
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, certain solvents when heated may degrade polymer structure
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation during processing that creates dust or fumes, enclose machinery if possible
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles to avoid eye irritation, gloves for handling, dust masks or respirators when machining large quantities
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific regulatory limits for UHMWPE, control operator exposure to particulate through good industrial hygiene practices
Appearance: White or translucent solid sheet, rod, or powder
Odor: None under normal conditions
Odor Threshold: Not applicable, emits faint waxy smell if heated
pH: Not applicable (insoluble in water)
Melting Point: 130–144 °C (266–291 °F)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: >340 °C (644 °F)
Flammability: May ignite in high heat, burns with smoky flame
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Density: 0.93–0.94 g/cm³
Solubility: Insoluble in water and most solvents
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not measurable, material is highly hydrophobic
Autoignition Temperature: Around 350 °C (662 °F)
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions and temperatures
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong oxidizing agents which can result in fire
Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides, short-chain hydrocarbons, acrolein, and aldehydes if overheated
Conditions to Avoid: Prolonged heat above 300 °C, exposure to naked flames, contact with incompatible substances
Acute Toxicity: Practically non-toxic, dust or fumes may cause mild transient irritation to respiratory tract
Chronic Toxicity: No reports of long term health effects with normal use
Inhalation: May cause mechanical irritation if fine powder or fumes are breathed
Skin Contact: Non-irritating to skin, possible burns with molten product
Eye Contact: Dust or powder may cause mechanical irritation
Ingestion: Not considered toxic, very poor absorption in digestive tract
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a human carcinogen by ACGIH, IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Ecotoxicity: Very low, material is inert in nature
Persistence and Degradability: Extremely persistent in environment, does not degrade readily
Bioaccumulation: Very unlikely due to high molecular weight and insolubility
Mobility in Soil: Immobile, does not leach to groundwater
Other Information: Material can contribute to physical litter in water and soil, possible ingestion harm to wildlife
Waste Disposal Methods: Recycle if facility available, landfill as inert solid material according to local regulations
Incineration: Suitable for high temperature industrial incinerators with emission controls
Disposal Restrictions: Avoid uncontrolled burning which generates harmful fumes
Special Precautions: Ensure waste management practices minimize environmental impact, consult local environmental agency
UN Number: Not regulated as hazardous material for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions: Protect from physical damage and extreme conditions during transport, secure load to prevent shifting
Environmental Hazards: Avoid soil or water contamination from spillage of powder or granules
Labeling Requirements: No hazardous labeling needed under most international and national regulations
Chemical Inventory Status: Listed on TSCA, EINECS, DSL, AICS, and other major inventories
Occupational Safety Standards: Comply with worker safety protocols under OSHA, EU REACH, and GHS framework
RoHS/ELV Compliance: Meets restrictions on hazardous substances for electronic and automotive uses
SDS Requirements: Full documentation required under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 and EU REACH