P-tex is the abbreviated name for Polyethylene. There are 10 major classifications of Polyethylene. For snowboards and skis the form used is UHMWPE or Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. It’s the same material used to make bullet proof jackets as well as hip and knee replacements. The main reason for its choice for skis and snowboards is it’s low moisture absorption, very low  and being resistant to abrasion.