Steven Whitacre

ETEC 433
11/2010

Acetal - Polyoxymethylene (POM)

Chemistry

 Highly crystalline (opaque)

 Polymerized from formaldehyde
 Many varieties, homopolymer and copolymer
o Copolymer adds C-C bonds to the backbone
 Tm 352°F, Copolymer Tm ≈325°F,
 HDT at 246 psi: 210°F, varies by grade

Properties
Acetal is marketed for metal-like properties, water
resistance, chemical resistance, fatigue resistance and lubricity.
The high degree of crystallinity and low polarity facilitate its
high chemical resistance.

Key Properties
Limitations
o Abrasion and Friction resistant
o Notch sensitive
o Extremely high fatigue resistance
(sharp corners are weak points)
o Tensile strength (10,300 psi)
o Long term pH range of 4-9
o High modulus (450,000 psi)
o Sensitive to chlorinated solvents
o Flexural Modulus (390,000 psi )
o Difficult to process, degrades readily and
o Chemically resistant
releases formaldehyde gas
o Low water absorption
o Difficult to decorate/paint
o Dimensionally stable
(low polarity and hard surface)
o Hard, smooth surface

Copolymer key properties

o Greater chemical stability
o ≈20% less H2O absorption
o Lower melting point (≈20°F less)
o Lower mechanical properties
o Greater flexibility
Acetal buckle
Applications (widespread use)
(toughness, fatigue and wear resistance)
 Farm machinery (chemically resistant, fatigue resistance)
 Conveyor belt chains ( wear and abrasion resistant, dimensionally stable)
 Gears, Bushings (good wear resistance, low moisture absorption)
 Turn signal switches (fatigue resistance)
 Zippers (abrasion and water resistance)
 Toilet tank components ( low water absorption, wear resistance, fatigue resistance)
 Shower heads (resistant to water)
 Automotive gas caps (resistant to hydrocarbons, abrasion resistant)
 Pens (surface finish, high mechanical properties, wear resistance)

Processing
Acetal can be difficult to process, due to instability and degradation, many copolymers and grades
have been developed to assist in process ability. It is typically injection molded or extruded. Acetal
parts can also be machined.

 Drying: 2-4 hours at 175°F

 Mold temperature: 212°F
 Recommended melt temperature: 410-430°F
 Hold Pressure: 13,000-16,000 psi
 Hold Time: 7-8 seconds/mm wall thickness
 Low melt viscosity: fine details of the mold will be captured
 Shrinkage must be accounted for in processing and mold design

Commercial Availability

 $1.03-1.65 per pound depending on grade.

o Specialty grades can be much more expensive.
 Derlin® (Dupont)
o First commercially available in 1960. A wide variety of homo and copolymers.
 Celcon® (Ticona), Ultraform® (BASF)
o Both sold as copolymers, with a wide variety of grades
 Nylon is primary competitor
o Nylon has superior abrasion resistance.
o Acetal has greater resistance to many chemicals and water.
o Currently nylon is more expensive than acetal, at $1.71-1.94 per pound

Questions/ Answers
1. What makes acetal more water resistant than nylon?
a. Acetal has a much less polar chemical structure in comparison to nylon. The oxygen in acetal
is part of the backbone, instead of being part of a pendant chain, limiting the potential for
secondary bonding.

2. Why would Acetal be an appropriate material for use in automotive gasoline caps?
a. Acetal is very chemically resistant, especially with hydrocarbons. Furthermore the low wear
rates for acetal facilitate a long service life. The high degree of crystallinity of acetal and low
polarity support its chemical resistance.

3. Why would an acetal copolymer be chosen over a homopolymer?

a. A copolymer of acetal would be chosen over a homopolymer for several reasons, increased
ease in processing, greater chemical resistance and water resistance, and improved
flexibility. The added C-C bonds along the backbone are responsible for the difference in
properties. These bonds are less polar than C-O bonds and facilitate greater chemical
resistance, and less secondary bonding.