Plastics, chemical resistance

Table 8.4 Plastics Chemical Resistance Chart (courtesy of Delta Cooling Towers, Carborundum Corp., Fairfield, NJ)...

Many of the attributes of solvent-borne epoxy coatings could be carried over to the waterborne epoxy coatings. These same attributes are useful in the application of waterborne epoxies as adhesive systems. They include good adhesion to a variety of substrates such as metals, wood, concrete, glass, ceramics, and many plastics chemical resistance low shrinkage toughness and flexibility and abrasion resistance. 

The Plastics Web http //www.ides.com/ (accessed October 12, 2010). Directory with news, information about plastics, tools and resources, marketplace and pricing information. Especially useful is the Plastic Chemical Resistance data at http //www.ides.com/resources/ plastic-chemical-resistance.asp (accessed October 12,2010). 

TABLE 1.62 VARIOUS GLASS-REINFORCED RESINS-CELANESE PLASTICS CHEMICAL RESISTANCE DATA 73°F... 

Not resistant plastic Chemical resistance Lustran Monsanto ... 

Skelly solvent 22 7 2 Not resistant plastic Chemical resistance per Lustrex BASF Specimen 50.8 mm... 

It resembles polytetrafiuoroethylene and fiuorinated ethylene propylene in its chemical resistance, electrical properties, and coefficient of friction. Its strength, hardness, and wear resistance are about equal to the former plastic and superior to that of the latter at temperatures above 150°C. 

PVC polymer plus special plasticizers are used to produce flexible tubing which has good chemical resistance. 

An extensive new Section 10 is devoted to polymers, rubbers, fats, oils, and waxes. A discussion of polymers and rubbers is followed by the formulas and key properties of plastic materials. Eor each member and type of the plastic families there is a tabulation of their physical, electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties and characteristics. A similar treatment is accorded the various types of rubber materials. Chemical resistance and gas permeability constants are also given for rubbers and plastics. The section concludes with various constants of fats, oils, and waxes. 

Bisphenol A. One mole of acetone condenses with two moles of phenol to form bisphenol A [80-05-07] which is used mainly in the production of polycarbonate and epoxy resins. Polycarbonates (qv) are high strength plastics used widely in automotive appHcations and appHances, multilayer containers, and housing appHcations. Epoxy resins (qv) are used in fiber-reinforced larninates, for encapsulating electronic components, and in advanced composites for aircraft—aerospace and automotive appHcations. Bisphenol A is also used for the production of corrosion- and chemical-resistant polyester resins, polysulfone resins, polyetherimide resins, and polyarylate resins. 

The principal uses of PCTFE plastics remain in the areas of aeronautical and space, electrical/electronics, cryogenic, chemical, and medical instmmentation industries. AppHcations include chemically resistant electrical insulation and components cryogenic seals, gaskets, valve seats (56,57) and liners instmment parts for medical and chemical equipment (58), and medical packaging fiber optic appHcations (see Fiber optics) seals for the petrochemical /oil industry and electrodes, sample containers, and column packing in analytical chemistry and equipment (59). 

Uses. Neopentyl glycol is used extensively as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of polyester resins (see Alkyd resins), polyurethane polyols (see Urethane polymers), synthetic lubricants, polymeric plasticizers (qv), and other polymers. It imparts a combination of desirable properties to properly formulated esterification products, including low color, good weathering and chemical resistance, and improved thermal and hydrolytic stabiUty. 

The chemical resistance and excellent light stabiUty of poly(methyl methacrylate) compared to two other transparent plastics is illustrated in Table 5 (25). Methacrylates readily depolymerize with high conversion, ie, 95%, at >300° C (1,26). Methyl methacrylate monomer can be obtained in high yield from mixed polymer materials, ie, scrap. 

Poly(vinyl chloride). PVC is one of the most important and versatile commodity polymers (Table 4). It is inherently flame retardant and chemically resistant and has found numerous and varied appHcations, principally because of its low price and capacity for being modified. Without modification, processibiUty, heat stabiUty, impact strength, and appearance all are poor. Thermal stabilizers, lubricants, plasticizers, impact modifiers, and other additives transform PVC into a very versatile polymer (257,258). 

Other Materials. Benzoguanamine and acetoguanamine may be used in place of melamine to achieve greater solubiHty in organic solvents and greater chemical resistance. Aniline and toluenesulfonamide react with formaldehyde to form thermoplastic resins. They are not used alone, but rather as plasticizers (qv) for other resins including melamine and urea—formaldehyde. The plasticizer may be made separately or formed in situ during preparation of the primary resin. 

CPA. Copolymer alloy membranes (CPAs) are made by alloying high molecular weight polymeries, plasticizers, special stabilizers, biocides, and antioxidants with poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). The membrane is typically reinforced with polyester and comes in finished thicknesses of 0.75—1.5 mm and widths of 1.5—1.8 m. The primary installation method is mechanically fastened, but some fully adhered systems are also possible. The CPA membranes can exhibit long-term flexibiHty by alleviating migration of the polymeric plasticizers, and are chemically resistant and compatible with many oils and greases, animal fats, asphalt, and coal-tar pitch. The physical characteristics of a CPA membrane have been described (15). 

Most metals, concrete, and other constmction materials are corroded by hydrobromic acid. Suitable materials of constmction include some fiber glass-reinforced plastics, some chemically resistant mbbers, PVC, Teflon, polypropylene, and ceramic-, mbber-, and glass-lined steel. Metals that are used include HasteUoy B, HasteUoy C, tantalum, and titanium. The HasteUoys can only be used at ambient temperatures. Liquid hydrogen bromide under pressure in glass at or above room temperature can attack the glass resulting in unexpected shattering. 

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