When selecting materials for high-performance applications, chemical resistance is a critical factor. Thermoset polyurethanes offer greater resistance to chemicals compared to many traditional materials like metals, plastics, and rubbers. In this post, we’ll explore what chemical resistance means, how it’s tested, and why thermoset polyurethanes stand out as the material of choice for products exposed to harsh chemical environments.

Is chemical resistance a key requirement in your next product design? Download our technical and chemical resistance data sheets to explore how thermoset polyurethanes can improve your product's performance.

What Is Chemical Resistance?

Chemical resistance refers to a material's ability to withstand degradation when exposed to chemicals. Without this resistance, materials can lose their mechanical properties, break down, or even fail entirely. A common example is metal corrosion: like the time you left your bike outside in the rain, and it began to rust due to the presence of water and oxygen reacting with the steel.

In product design, chemical resistance ensures that materials can retain their integrity, performance, and appearance in challenging environments.

How to Test for Chemical Resistance 

Testing for chemical resistance will vary depending on the materials and chemicals being tested. Although there is no standardized test, chemical resistance is typically rated by the materials ability to maintain its integrity when in the presence of chemicals. Here's a simplified look at the process:

1. Sample Submersion: Material samples are submerged in a chemical solution for a given period of time
2. Controlled Conditions: Environmental factors, such as temperature, are carefully controlled to ensure consistency
3. Monitoring Properties: Physical properties like hardness, tear resistance, and tensile strength are measured at regular intervals to assess any degradation 

Chemical Resistance of Various Materials  

When it comes to chemical resistance, not all materials are created equal. Let's break down how different materials compare:

• Metals: Metals like steel and iron are prone to oxidation and corrosion, especially in moist environments
• Plastics: Certain plastics may perform well in some environments, but can degrade over time when exposed to harsh chemicals
• Rubbers: Rubbers can break down when exposed to oils and solvents

Designing with Chemical Resistance in Mind 

Chemical resistance starts when considering the environment in which your product or component will operate. Applications such as medical devices, military & defense, and food processing, will have a wide range of chemicals in contact with mechanical products or components.

When designing for these industries, product designers should consider:

• The types of chemicals the product will be exposed to
• The frequency and duration of exposure
• The potential consequences of material failure due to chemical degradation

Conclusion: Making the Right Material Choice

Selecting a material with the right chemical resistance properties can help you avoid product failures, unexpected maintenance, and costly downtime. Thermoset polyurethanes provide exceptional chemical resistance compared to metals, rubbers, and plastics, making them an excellent choice for applications exposed to harsh chemicals.

Be sure to consider chemical resistance during the product design phase, and download our technical and chemical resistance data sheet to see how thermoset polyurethanes can improve your product's performance.