Acetal resin

Description

A thermoplastic polymer produced by the polymerization of formaldehyde into very long, linear oxymethylene (-O-CH2-O-CH2-) chains. Polyacetal was first produced in 1959 by DuPont under the name Delrin®. The highly crystalline resin is glossy, dense, stiff and strong. Among the toughest and most fatigue resistance of commercial thermoplastics, it is often used as a metal replacement. Acetal resin is resistant to moisture, heat, chemicals and solvents, but is sensitive to temperature. It can be metal plated, injection molded, welded, machined or extruded. Acetal resin is used for mechanical parts (gears, bushings), pipes, automotive parts, communication equipment, videocassettes, and cosmetic containers.

Synonyms and Related Terms

AC; polyacetal; resina acetálica (Esp.); poliacetal (Esp.); acétal (Fr.); resina de acetal (Port.); polyoxymethylene; POM: polyoxide; polyether; polyformaldehyde

Examples: Delrin® [DuPont]; Celcon® [Ticona]; Hostaform® [Ticona]; Ultraform® [BASF];

FTIR

Risks

Combustible but very slow burning. Decomposes at high temperatures. May produce formaldehyde on decomposition.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Soluble in dimethylformamide, benzyl alcohol. Insoluble in methanol, diethyl ether, aliphatic hydrocarbons. Burns soot-free. Resistant to acids, and alkalis.

TAP Plastics: Technical data sheet

Melting Point	165-175 C
Density	1.425 g/ml

Comparisons

General Characteristics of Polymers

Physical Properties for Selected Thermoplastic Resins

Resources and Citations

G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 791

Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993

ASTM, Standard Terminology Relating to Thermophysical Properties, Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Section 6, Paints, Related Coatings and Aromatics, ASTM, E1142, 695-696, Jul-94

M.Kaufman, The First Century of Plastics, The Plastics and Rubber Institute, London, 1963

Theodore J. Reinhart, 'Glossary of Terms', Engineered Plastics, ASM International, 1988

History of Plastics: www.nswpmith.com.au/historyofplastics.html