Overview of Acetal materials

I. Definition and nature of Acetal materials

Acetal(polyacetal), also known as polyformaldehyde (POM) or polyoxymethylene (POM), is a thermoplastic engineering plastic. 

It has good comprehensive properties, including high strength, high rigidity, high wear resistance, excellent dimensional stability 

and chemical stability. Acetal materials have low hygroscopicity, allowing them to maintain stable size and mechanical properties 

even in humid environments. In addition, its surface is smooth, the coefficient of friction is small, is an excellent sliding and 

wear-resistant material.

2.  raw materials and synthesis methods

Acetal is mainly made from formaldehyde or its derivatives through polycondensation. Common synthesis methods include 

homopolymerization, copolymerization and grafting copolymerization. During the preparation process, the molecular structure, 

molecular weight and distribution of Acetal material can be adjusted by controlling polymerization conditions, catalyst types 

and additives, and thus its physical and chemical properties can be changed.

3. Application fields and product examples

Acetal materials are widely used in machinery, automotive, electronics, instruments, meters, medical and other fields. 

In the machinery industry, Acetal materials are commonly used to make wear-resistant parts such as gears, bearings and 

sliders. In the automotive industry, Acetal materials are used to manufacture a wide range of dashboards, interiors and 

connectors. In addition, in the electronics industry, Acetal materials are also used to manufacture components for electronic 

devices due to their good insulating properties and mechanical properties.

Product examples include:

1. Gears: Due to its excellent wear resistance and high strength, Acetal materials are commonly used in the manufacture of gears.

2. Bearings: Bearings made of Acetal material have good sliding properties and wear resistance, suitable for high-speed 

operation of the field.

3. Dashboards: In the automotive industry, Acetal materials are used in the manufacture of dashboards due to their superior 

processing and mechanical properties.

Fourth, advantages and disadvantages analysis and replacement introduction

Advantages:

1. Excellent wear resistance and sliding properties,

2. High strength, high rigidity.

3.Excellent dimensional stability and chemical stability.

Cons:

1. Not resistant to strong acid and alkali.

2. Sensitive to moisture, long-term exposure to humid environments may lead to performance degradation.

Alternatives:

1. Nylon (PA): has similar wear resistance and mechanical properties, but higher moisture absorption.

2. Polycarbonate (PC): has high strength and transparency, but poor wear resistance.

3. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE): has excellent sliding properties and chemical stability, but low mechanical strength.

4. Processing technology and equipment requirements

Acetal material has good processing properties and can be molded by injection molding, extrusion, calendering and other 

processing methods. During the processing process, attention needs to be paid to controlling the processing temperature 

and pressure to avoid material decomposition or scorching. In addition, it is also necessary to choose the appropriate processing 

equipment and molds to ensure the dimensional accuracy and surface quality of the products.

5. Safe use guidelines and environmental considerations

Safe use Guide:

When using Acetal materials, avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures or near ignition sources to prevent toxic gases 

from burning.

In the process of processing, wear protective glasses, gloves and other protective equipment to avoid material splash or hot 

oil splash caused by damage.