With a low coefficient of friction and no moisture absorption, Redco™ Tivar® is noted for its performance in promoting the material flow of congested materials. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of UHMW grades such as Redco™ Tivar® is vital for determining the best fit for your application. Two Redco™ Tivar® materials, Redco™ Tivar® 88 and Redco™ Tivar® 88-2, suffer from several misconceptions. One such misconception involves the UV resistance of these two materials: while Redco™ Tivar® 88 has some UV resistant capabilities, Redco™ Tivar® 88-2 is the superior material for applications exposed to direct sunlight.
Listed below are the differences between Redco™ Tivar® 88 and Redco™ Tivar® 88-2 to help clarify some common misconceptions about these two UHMW grades.
Redco™ Tivar® 88
A premium lining material for bulk material handling, Redco™ Tivar® 88 promotes flow of cohesive or non-free flowing materials. Redco™ Tivar® 88 is the gold standard for plastic lining and is typically more readily available than Redco™ Tivar® 88-2. Redco™ Tivar® 88 is highly regarded for its durable build: glass-filled for added strength and dimensional stability, and cross-linked for added toughness. This added durability makes Redco™ Tivar® 88 the stronger and longer lasting of the two materials in many applications. However, Redco™ Tivar® 88’s high strength comes with two tradeoffs: firstly, it cannot be welded, and secondly, it has weaker UV protection than Redco™ Tivar® 88-2. If long-term UV resistance to sunlight in your application is considered a top priority, Redco™ Tivar® 88-2 may be a better option.
Redco™ Tivar® 88-2
Redco™ Tivar® 88-2 is a premium lining material that offers low moisture absorption, excellent chemical resistance, and the lowest coefficient of friction of all Tivar® 88 grades. Redco™ Tivar® 88-2 does not have glass-filled properties like Redco™ Tivar® 88, making it the weaker material of the two. However, it boasts greater UV resistances that enables the material to outlast Redco™ Tivar® 88 in applications that are exposed to direct sunlight. This superior UV resistance ensures that Redco™ Tivar® 88-2 will not become brittle or crack for many years. Unlike Redco™ Tivar® 88, Redco™ Tivar® 88-2 is also fully weldable, making it a strong choice for applications where plastic welding is necessary.
Ultimately, the decision on which material to choose will come to your priorities and needs: Redco™ Tivar® 88’s higher strength for tough, long-lasting applications, or Redco™ Tivar® 88-2’s stronger UV protection and ability to be welded. Regardless of the material you choose, rest assured that your Redco™ Tivar® will deliver consistent, high-quality results to match your needs. For more information about our full collection of UHMW, contact us. Our team of experts are always available to help you find your perfect solution.