Definition
Polyacetal is the common name for PolyOxyMethylene (POM).
Polyacetal may also be called Polyformaldehyde as produced from formaldehyde.
The Polyacetal is a polyether existing under two forms Homopolymer and Copolymer
Comments
Polyacetal was invented by Dupont de Nemours in 1953
Polyacetal is a high crystalline thermoplastic
This high crystalline structure of the polyacetal provides higher performances than most of other thermoplastics.
Polyacetal has a good resistance to wear, abrasion and fatigue with low friction coefficient.
Polyacetal should not be exposed to acids.
POM offers a high level of stability, hardness and rigidity.
Polyacetal is also stable:
– Under machining operations and shocks absorption
– Low temperatures with high dimensional stability
– In electrical applications
Polyacetal is physiologically safe with a low level of humidity absorption but not convenient for food applications.
For these reasons, Polyacetal is considered as a high performance plastic used for
– Industrial applications, such as bearings and gears
– Automotive parts, such as fuel, lube oil or grease receivers
– Surgery for artificial hips and femoral junctions
– Mechanical precision parts
– Electrical industry
– Sport such as ski biddings
