Acetal thermoplastic is also known as Polyoxymethylene (POM). The resin exists in a white semi-crystalline state. One of the reasons for its high demand in the plastics industry is its high tensile strength. In addition, the polymer has significant creep resistance, making it an ideal material to replace metals in a variety of applications.

As mentioned above, acetal or polyformaldehyde is a thermoplastic. While thermosetting plastics have long been part of the plastics industry, the inability to reheat and reuse them has been a serious limitation. Thermosetting plastics burn on second heating.

Thermoplastics, on the other hand, react differently to heat. Thermoplastics are liquefied at a certain temperature and can be cured and molded into the desired shape.

Acetal homopolymer plastics melt at 175 ° C, whereas acetal copolymers melt at 162-173 ° C.

Repeated heating and cooling of thermoplastics such as acetal does not result in any significant chemical degradation.

Acetal polymers exhibit repetitive and ordered structural units and have sharp melting points compared to amorphous solids.

Acetals are usually divided into:

Acetal homopolymer

Acetal copolymer

Homopolymers are composed of repeating monomer units, each with a similar molecular structure.

Copolymers consist of different types of monomer units that combine with each other to form a common polymer structure.

Acetal homopolymers and acetal copolymers are used in a wide range of applications. Therefore, each has its advantages and limitations that need to be considered.

Here are some important considerations when choosing between acetal copolymers and acetal homopolymers:

Homopolymer is harder, harder, smoother in texture and has high tensile strength. Homopolymer has high operating temperature and high impact strength at room temperature.

Copolymers have better dimensional stability and are more resistant to chemicals and wear.

Each of these properties of acetal homopolymers and acetal copolymers contributes to their usefulness in the production of precision parts that require strong resistance to abrasion, water, and chemical corrosion. Its excellent dimensional stability, low friction and wear resistance make it ideal for applications such as pinions, plastic zippers, plastic furniture, consumer electronics and medical components.