an improved polyethylene fabric comprises polyethylene fabric or yarn that is manufactured by mixing hdpe with pellets of cyclic - olefin polymers in a ratio of up to 40 % by weight of the layer . this mixture is then extruded in ways known to those skilled in the art . the resulting hdpe has superior stress and strain characteristics over a wider range of pressures and temperatures than conventional hdpe . the improved polyethylene fabric of the present invention is useful in applications where structural integrity is required and where pressure and temperature are a factor . for example , improved hdpe scrims of the present invention can be used as the reinforcing structure for irrigation hose or building fabric .