Comparison
UHMWPE Bearing Grade vs PA66
A side-by-side comparison of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Bearing Grade and Polyamide 6,6 (Nylon).
Physical
Density
0.930-0.945 g/cm³
1.14 g/cm³
Water Absorption (24h)
<0.01 %
1.2 %
Transparency
Opaque
Opaque
Shrinkage
1-3 %
1.5 – 2.0 %
Mechanical
Young's Modulus
0.5-1.0 GPa
3.0 GPa (dry)
Tensile Strength
30-50 MPa
80 MPa
Elongation at Break
100-300 %
60 %
Impact Strength (Izod)
No Break
50 J/m
Flexural Strength
—
110 MPa
Thermal
Glass Transition Temperature
-120 °C
70 °C
Melting Point
130-140 °C
255 – 265 °C
Continuous Service Temperature
80-100 °C
100 – 120 °C
Heat Deflection Temperature
40-50 °C
75 °C (unfilled)
Electrical
Dielectric Constant
2.25-2.35
4.0
Volume Resistivity
>10¹⁵ Ω⋅cm
10¹² Ω·cm
Dielectric Strength
15-25 kV/mm
—
Chemical resistance
Acids
Excellent resistance
Poor
Bases
Excellent resistance
Good
Solvents
Good resistance at room temperature, swells in hot aromatic hydrocarbons
—
UV Resistance
Poor (requires stabilization)
Fair
Alcohols
—
Good
Oils & Fuels
—
Excellent
Sustainability
Recyclability
Recyclable (challenging due to high viscosity)
Recyclable
Recycling Code
2 (PE-HD)
7
Carbon Footprint
Moderate
~7.4 kg CO₂e / kg
Bio-based Content
—
0 – 100 % (bio grades)