5 Types of Chemically Resistant Plastics & Their Importance

Every industry has specific demands from the products used in the applications. Of all the specifications, the material used to manufacture components is of prime importance. Applications that often make use of/work with harsh chemicals, require materials that are chemically resistant. Here are discussed five popular chemically inert materials, PVDF, PTFE, PFA, PEEK, and CPVC.

 5 Chemically Resistant Plastic Materials

Below mentioned are five viable options of materials that are compatible with harsh chemicals:

• Polyvinylidene Difluoride (PVDF)

This is one resin that is effective against a multitude of chemicals. In addition, it can be safely used with hot chemicals. It is used in several industries ranging from medical, renewable energy, food production, to chemical processing. Kynar is a famous brand, an industry standard, of PVDF material.

• Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

PTFE is resistant to many types of chemicals mainly, acetones, ketones, and several acetates, oils, minerals, diesel, and many more. It is resistant to reactive, unstable, and high concentrations of chemicals. More importantly, they are equally effective when used in a temperature range as wide as 20 ºC (68 ºF) to 100 ºC (212 ºF).  The most commonly used PTFE is popularly known by the brand name, Teflon.

• Perfluoroalkoxy Alkane (PFA)

It exhibits similar properties to PTFE. It is resistant to chemical attacks and can therefore be used in critical applications. They are abrasion and corrosion resistant, hence can be used across industries for chemical handling processes.

• Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK)

Extremely strong and chemically inert, PEEK features enhanced thermal and mechanical properties. This material is used in the medical industry as well as in applications that face high levels of physical duress.

• Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC)

It is a chlorinated form of PVC. It functions seamlessly up to temperatures as high as 180 °F. It is also flame retardant making it useful in high temperature applications.

Importance of Testing the Material

The fasteners used in an application need to be able to perform as well, and last as long as the rest of the components. Different types of plastics available in the market offer various benefits. The engineer needs to choose wisely to ensure that the material used is able to meet the application requirements. A sound method of ensuring compatibility is testing the product in application. If you test a fastener fabricated with the desired material, you will be able to determine the level of compatibility with the application.

Performing different types of stress tests will provide the engineer with enough information about the capabilities of the product. When choosing a material for your application, ensure that you garner enough knowledge about the product and materials used.