Engineering Plastics
Polyoxymethylene (POM)
Polyacetal, also commonly known as acetal or polyoxymethylene (POM), is a formaldehyde-based, semi-crystalline engineering thermoplastic which contains the functional group of a carbon bonded to two -OR groups. It is 100% recyclable. POM is known as polyformaldehyde, polymethylene glycol and polyoxymethylene glycol.
Acetal resins are produced by the polymerization of purified formaldehyde [CH2O]. However, different manufacturing processes are used to produce the homopolymer and copolymer versions of POM. In alkaline environments, copolymers are more stable than the homopolymers. On the other hand, homopolymers provide better mechanical properties than copolymers.
Properties
Polyoxymethyene resins demonstrate well-balanced properties ranging for mechanical to physical and flammability performance. The key benefits of POM resins include:
- Excellent mechanical properties over a temperature range up to 140°C, down to -40°C
- High tensile strength, rigidity and toughness (short-term)
- Low tendency to creep (as compared to nylon) and fatigue (long-term). Not susceptible to environmental stress cracking
- High degree of crystallinity and excellent dimensional stability
- Excellent wear resistance
- Low coefficient of friction
- Good resistance to organic solvents and chemicals (except phenols) at room temperature
- Low smoke emission
- High gloss surfaces
- Low moisture absorption
Applications
Acetal Copolymer resin is used in applications requiring a combination of strength, low moisture absorption, chemical resistance and dimensional stability. It’s also used for high-performance engineering components. Acetal Copolymer is widely used in the consumer electronics industry and the automotive industry.
- Bushings
- Rollers
- Wear Strips
- Small Gear Wheels
- Ball Bearings
- Fasteners
- Gas Meters
- Medical Technology
- Disposable Applications
- Aerosol Valves
- Lock Systems
- Fuel Tank Modules
