Mitsui Chemicals' UHMW-PE grades for good sliding in injection molding parts
Last update on Apr 29, 2026
Manufacturers working on injection-molded parts and profiles that require low friction, wear resistance, and chemical stability can now evaluate two UHMW-PE product families from Mitsui Chemicals – Lubmer and Mipelon.
According to Mitsui Chemicals, both families are based on ultra-long molecular chain UHMW-PE, which the company reports delivers significantly higher sliding, abrasion resistance and low noise levels than conventional polyolefins. The supplier positions Lubmer and Mipelon as suitable for applications where PTFE was previously used, with the exception of those requiring high heat resistance. Additional properties cited by the supplier include chemical resistance, low density, low water absorption, flexibility, and low-temperature impact strength.
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Self-lubricating properties
The Lubmer range includes granules with varying melt viscosities for injection molding and extrusion of sheets, plates, profiles, and hoses. Standard abrasion-resistant grades (L3000, L4000, L5000) are available alongside grade L5220, which the supplier reports offers self-lubricating properties, and TM-80B, described as having enhanced weather resistance for sliding applications in automotive contexts.
For formulators compounding engineering plastics, Lubmer LY1040 is presented by the supplier as a PFAS-free additive compatible with most engineering plastics. According to Mitsui Chemicals, it can replace PTFE as a modifier at addition levels of 3–5% while leaving other performance properties largely unaffected. Ready-to-use PA-based compounds LS4140 and LS4120, the PA masterbatch grade LY4100, and the Lubmer portfolio as a whole are described as suitable for dry dosing at the injection molding machine.
Looking for UHMW-PE grades suitable for your applications? Access 200+ commercially available grades in our Master Catalog.
Improve abrasion resistance at temperatures up to 120 °C
Mipelon is a family of spherical UHMW-PE fine powders with average particle diameters ranging from 10 µm (PM-200) to 30 µm (XM-220) and up to 65 µm (XM-330). According to the supplier, the grades improve sliding properties and abrasion resistance at temperatures up to 120 °C across thermoplastics, rubbers, paints, and coatings; special grade PM200C is reported as suitable for hydrocarbon oil applications up to 200 °C.
Compared to PTFE fine powders, Mitsui Chemicals reports that Mipelon's spherical shape offers tribological advantages and also exhibit significantly narrower particle size distributions. Narrower particle size distribution result in better dispersibility and more uniform surfaces, with a lower coefficient of sliding friction and higher abrasion resistance at equivalent dosage. Even when compared to PA11 and PA12 as well as PE waxes, the company claims that the sliding friction and abrasion values decrease significantly over the long term.
Mitsui Chemicals reports Mipelon to offer high resistance to acids, alkalis, and organic chemicals combined with low water absorption. Newly developed grades with particle diameters below 5 µm and 6 µm are available for applications where further improvement in lubricity and abrasion resistance is required. For compounders working with rubbers and thermoplastics – including food-industry applications and anti-blocking requirements in films – grades with larger particle diameters provide an alternative option. According to the supplier, all grades comply with EU and US food contact regulations.
You can review the full Lubmer and Mipelon product range and compare grade specifications directly in our Master Catalog.