Elastomer chemical resistance

VJteflex Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer Chemical Resistance Table, Mateiial Monogiaph MRE-002, Hoechst-Celanese Coip., Summit, N.J. 

Excepting polyurethanes which are designed solely for chemical resistance, most abrasion-resistant polyurethanes do not have the chemical resistant capabilities of the other elastomers. Chemical-resistant polyurethanes have elevated temperature limitations, but have proved to have an adequate resistance range especially when contamination by oils and certain solvents have to be handled. 

Polyester elastomers, 20 70-71, 74 Polyesterether elastomers chemical resistance of, 20 75t manufacture of, 20 75-76 market for, 20 77-78 models for two-phase structure in, 20 72-73... 

DuPont Performance Elastomers, Chemical Resistance Guide, Version 6.0 (August 2006) Overview of Elastomers and Elastomer Materials, ElastomeFs Characteristics, Fluoroelastomer (Viton. FKM) and Nitrile, hydrogenated Nitrile (NBR, HNBR), Available at http /www.dupontelastomers. com/Tech Info/chemical.asp (accessed October 7, 2006). 

PBT/elastomers chemical resistance, notch Izod impact strength, heat resistance (for paint ovens). 

The permeability of water vapor through PET is higher than that of polyolefins but lower than that of polycarbonate, polyamide, and polyacetal. Antioxidants are necessary to prevent to the oxidation of polyether segments in thermoplastic polyester elastomer. Chemical resistance of PET is generally good to acids, alkalis, and organic solvents. 

Nitrile mbber finds broad application in industry because of its excellent resistance to oil and chemicals, its good flexibility at low temperatures, high abrasion and heat resistance (up to 120°C), and good mechanical properties. Nitrile mbber consists of butadiene—acrylonitrile copolymers with an acrylonitrile content ranging from 15 to 45% (see Elastomers, SYNTHETIC, NITRILE RUBBER). In addition to the traditional applications of nitrile mbber for hoses, gaskets, seals, and oil well equipment, new applications have emerged with the development of nitrile mbber blends with poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). These blends combine the chemical resistance and low temperature flexibility characteristics of nitrile mbber with the stability and ozone resistance of PVC. This has greatly expanded the use of nitrile mbber in outdoor applications for hoses, belts, and cable jackets, where ozone resistance is necessary. 

Polyester elastomers are resistant to a variety of common solvents including aqueous acids or bases. The chemical resistance of copolyesterether elastomers is shown in Table 13 (193) which gives examples of solvent resistance and is not inclusive. 

Fluoroelastomers. The fluoroelastomers were introduced to the mbber industry in the late 1950s by the DuPont Company. They were made by modification of Teflon polymers and designed to have exceUent heat and chemical resistance, but remain elastomeric in nature. They were very expensive and have found use in limited appHcations. However, with the increasing demand in the automotive and industrial market for improved reHabUity and longer Hfe, the elastomeric fluoroelastomers have made significant inroads into these appHcations (see Elastomers, synthetic-fluorocarbon ELASTOTffiRS). 

In the 1960s and 1970s, additional elastomers were developed by Du Pont under the Viton and Kalrez trademarks for improved low temperature and chemical resistance properties using perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether), CF2=CFOCF3, as a comonomer with vinyUdene fluoride and/or tetrafluoroethylene (12,13) (see Fluorine compounds, organic-tethafluoroethylene polypous and copolyp rs). 

Chemical Resistance. Fluorocarbon elastomer compounds show excellent resistance to automotive fuels and oils, hydrocarbon solvents, aircraft fuels and oils, hydrauHc fluids, and certain chlorinated solvents, and may be used without reservation. 

Ring S. In O-ring appHcations, the primary consideration is resistance to compression set. A fluorocarbon elastomer gum is chosen for O-ring apphcations based on its gum viscosity, cross-link density, cure system, and chemical resistance so that the best combination of processibiUty and use performance is obtained. Sample formulations for such uses are given in Table 4. 

The ability to bond natural rubber to itself and to steel makes it ideal for lining tanks. Many of the synthetic elastomers, while more chemically resistant than natural rubber, have veiy poor bonding characteristics and hence are not well suited for hning tanks. 

The development of the mechanical seal advanced in parallel with elastomer technology. Mechanical seals using o-rings and other elastomer forms, benefited with improved shelf-life, maximum and minimum temperature limits, better chemical resistance, and higher pressure ratings. 

Oil resistance demands polar (non-hydrocarbon) polymers, particularly in the hard phase. If the soft phase is non-polar but the haid phase polar, then swelling but not dissolution will occur (rather akin to that occurring with vulcanised natural rubber or SBR). If, however, the hard phase is not resistant to a particular solvent or oil, then the useful physical properties of a thermoplastic elastomer will be lost. As with all plastics and rubbers, the chemical resistant will depend on the chemical groups present, as discussed in Section 5.4. 

Currently, important TPE s include blends of semicrystalline thermoplastic polyolefins such as propylene copolymers, with ethylene-propylene terepolymer elastomer. Block copolymers of styrene with other monomers such as butadiene, isoprene, and ethylene or ethylene/propy-lene are the most widely used TPE s. Styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) accounted for 70% of global styrene block copolymers (SBC). Currently, global capacity of SBC is approximately 1.1 million tons. Polyurethane thermoplastic elastomers are relatively more expensive then other TPE s. However, they are noted for their flexibility, strength, toughness, and abrasion and chemical resistance. Blends of polyvinyl chloride with elastomers such as butyl are widely used in Japan. ... 

Elastomers are used for their flexibility in seals, gaskets and hoses and to resist abrasion (through absorption of the kinetic energy of the impinging particles). The range of materials includes natural and synthetic rubbers and modem elastomers with chemical resistance. 

A summary of the chemical and abrasion resistances, and approximate operational temperature ranges of elastomers is given in Table 18.16. Further details of specific chemical resistances are given in Table 18.17. The maximum temperature of use will always be dependent on the chemical conditions prevailing. Abrasion resistance can be affected by the chemical environment if the exposed surface properties are changed by adsorption or chemical attack. The rate of material loss by abrasion will also vary according to temperature as the resilience etc. is dependent on prevailing temperature conditions. 

As previously stated, polyurethanes do not have the degree of chemical resistance enjoyed by the other elastomers. Specially designed chemical resistant polyurethanes are suitable for use in dilute non-oxidative acids and salts, but are not normally suitable for alkalis. They show good resistance to oils and solvents. Maximum temperature of use is usually about 80°C, but this temperature is very dependent on the chemical environment. 

Polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomers are extensively used in applications requiring physical resilience and chemical resistance. In addition to their elasticity, they also exhibit vibration damping, abrasion, tear, and cut resistance. 

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