When it comes to acetal, the differences between homopolymer (POM-H) and copolymer (POM-C) aren’t obvious to most buyers. However, guiding them to the right grade can make or break performance, longevity, and customer satisfaction. Acetron™ GP makes it easy by covering most common requirements with a dependable copolymer formulation.
A Quick Chemistry Refresher
Plastics start simple. Small repeating units, called “mers,” link together to form long chains called polymers. The chemistry of those chains and how uniform they are shapes the performance of the material.
Most everyday plastics you see—like polyethylene, polypropylene, or PET—are homopolymers. Their chains are made of a single repeating unit, which gives them consistency and strength.
But by introducing a second or third monomer into the chain, polymer scientists can create copolymers. That slight change opens the door to properties that homopolymers can’t match.
Think of a polymer like a long train:
- A homopolymer train is made up of the same type of car—say, tankers. Strong and predictable, but limited.
- A copolymer train mixes in different cars—mostly tankers, but with boxcars here and there. The mix allows the train to handle more cargo and perform in ways the tanker-only train cannot.
When Copolymers Shine
There are many times when copolymers should be your first choice:
- Welded polypropylene tanks in agriculture or firefighting vehicles that see heavy vibration and need ductility to protect welds.
- Food processing parts sanitized with hot water and alkaline washdowns daily that would benefit from added chemical resistance.
- Machined fluid manifolds that run at higher pressures and demand consistent, porosity-free performance.
- Heat-formed prosthetics and orthotics that require ductility and uniformity for reliability and comfort.
Typical centerline porosity in Delrin® AF blend POM-H. The light band reveals micro-porosity, a lower-density feature always present in POM-H shapes.
TIP! If hygiene, steam, or sealing matter, propose Acetron™ GP.
What About Homopolymer Acetal (POM-H)?
Homopolymer acetal has its place. It brings higher stiffness and slightly higher heat deflection temperature (HDT). But it typically shows centerline micro-porosity in rod and plate. That weak core can trap fluids and shorten part life in washdown service.
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