Polyacetal (POM) : Properties
Polyacetal (POM) : Properties
Polyacetal (POM) : Properties
DS ‐ Plastics for Injection Moulding
Polyacetal (POM)
Tampere University of Technology – Sanna Nykänen
Polyacetal is a highly crystalline thermoplastic material. The basic monomer is General
formaldehyde. Homopolymer which consist only of formaldehyde units (‐ CH2 – O
‐) is called polyoxymethylene or polyformaldehyde.
Figure 1: Repeating unit of polyacetal
Homopolymers are pure formaldehyde and copolymers include a small amount of
comonomer that can improve the thermal stability of amino plastics.
Production of commercial homopolymer includes two phases: polymerization and Manufacturing
stabilization of polymer molecules end groups. Initiation happens with help of
anionic substances. Production of copolymer happens by solution‐ or mass polym‐
erization. Polymerization happens with help of cationic initiator.
Homopolymers have crystallinity of 75‐80 % which can be elevated with long after
heating to 85 %. Melting point of crystalline parts is + 175 °C. Melting point of
copolymers is lower about 10 °C and their degree of crystallinity is also lower than
homopolymers.
Properties
Polyacetal has a linear structure and high degree of crystallinity. These things General
determine the properties of polyacetals: properties
− High toughness, stiffness and hardness
− High heat distortion temperature and heat resistance
− High dimensional stability
− Good electrical and dielectric properties
− Good resistance to solvents
− Resistance to stress cracking
− Good friction and abrasion characteristics
− Easy process ability
Because of higher degree of crystallinity, homopolymers have compared to co‐ Homopolymers
polymers: vs. co‐polymers
− Higher melting point
− Higher heat deflection temperature (HDT)
− Higher mechanical strength and stiffness
− Higher surface toughness
− Higher fatigue resistance
Polyacetal ‐ 1
CAE DS – Plastics for Injection Moulding
Copolymers are chemically more stable than homopolymers. When comparing Copolymers vs.
them to homopolymers they have: homopolymers
− Higher operating temperatures
− Better process ability
− Better hot water duration
Polyacetals are only plastics that can be used successfully for manufacturing a
plastic spring. POM is very flexible and resilient material. However flexibility limit
has to be so little that elasticity limits will not be exceeded. Another important
property is POM’s good toughness/friction coefficient ratio. This why POM has
gain ground from markets where plastic parts have to endure continuous move‐
ment against other plastic or metallic part.
Acetalplastics are white, in thin layers transparent, plastics. They are hard, though
and stiff but at the same time impact resistant plastics.
Mechanical
Property Homopolymer Copolymer properties
Density (g/cm3) 1.42 1.41
Melting point (°C) 175‐ 181 164‐175
Polyacetals are resistant to organic solvents, but they are not resistant to strong Chemical
acids or alkaline solutions. resistance
Polyacetals can be reinforced, dyed and blended with different kind of functional Modification
additives. Different kind of brands blended with e.g. PTFE, MoS2 or minerals are
available for injection moulding.
Polyacetal ‐ 2
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Processing
The most important processing method of POM is injection moulding. Mould Injection
nozzle should be an open nozzle because of safety reasons. Mould filling rightly is moulding
controlled by after pressure and after pressure time and nozzle’s proper size is
important. Following instructions should be followed:
− The diameter of the gate should be at least half of the part’s thickness.
− The gate should be placed on the thickest spot of the part
− Mould’s runners should be bigger than the thickest wall.
− Runner profile should be round or almost round.
Good gas removing is very important because different POM grades are sensitive
for overheating. The gas removal‐channels should be 0.03 mm deep and width
should be less than 1 mm.
Because polyacetals have relatively large mould shrinkage (1.5‐3.0%), it is very
important to use right mould temperatures. Recommendation for mould tempera‐
ture is from 90 to 120 °C. If the injection moulded part does not have to be
dimensional accurate, lower mould temperatures (60 °C) can be used.
Applications
Very dimensional accurate parts can be manufactured from polyacetals. They can
also be used in food product‐ applications
− Plumping fittings
− Car parts
− Office equipment
− Domestic appliances
− Gears
− Bearings, screws
− Precision components
− Housings
− Pumps
Polyacetal ‐ 3
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Trade names
Homopolymers
− Delrin (Du Pont, USA)
− Tenac (Asahi Chemical Ind., JP)
Copolymers
− Celcon (Hoechst; Ticona, DE)
− Hostaform (Hoechst; Ticona, DE)
− Tenac‐ C (Asahi Chemical Ind. JP)
− Duracon (Daicel Polyplastic Co., JP)
− Kematal (Hoechst; Ticona, DE)
− Ultraform (BASF, DE)
References
Järvelä et al., Ruiskuvalu, Plastdata, Tampere, 2000.
Dominghaus, Plastics for engineers, Hanser 1993.
Seppälä, Polymeeriteknologian perusteet, Valopaino Oy, 2003.
Polyacetal ‐ 4