ge chemical compatibility guide

8/9/2019 GE Chemical Compatibility Guide

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Chemical Compatibility Guide /resins/include/mainmenu_xml.inc /resins/include/techsolution_xml.inc /resins/include/rate_xml.incTechnical Research Design Guides Chemical Compatibility Guide

Chemical compatibility of thermoplastics is dependent on a number of criteria, including time, temperature,molded-in stress, and any external stress to which the part is subjected in a given application. To assist you inevaluating the chemical compatibility of GE engineering thermoplastics in a given application, this guide providesup-to-date information on the effects of many commonly-encountered chemical media in laboratory tests designedto approximate typical exposure conditions.


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Contents

IntroductionIntroduction

CYCOLAC* ResinStraining Effect of Various Agents on General Purpose CYCOLAC* ResinsEnvironmental Stress Cracking Effects Various Chemical Media on General-Purpose CYCOLAC* ABS Resins

GELOY* ResinGELOY* Resin

LEXAN* ResinLEXAN* Resin

NORYL* ResinNORYL* Resin

NORYL GTX* ResinNORYL GTX* Resin

ULTEM* Resin

ULTEM* Resin

VALOX* ResinVALOX* Resin

XENOY* ResinXENOY* Resin

LubricantsLubricants

Cleaning/Degreasing AgentsCleaning/Degreasing Agents

Conversion TablesConversion Tables


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Introduction

Chemical compatibility of thermoplastics is dependent on a number of criteria, including time, temperature,molded-in stress, and any external stress to which the part is subjected in a given application. Chemical exposureordinarily results in a softening effect, or cracking and crazing of the thermoplastic. As softening occurs, the percentweight increases while tensile strength decreases. As cracking and/or crazing occurs, the percent elongationdecreases.

Amorphous polymers tend to be highly viscous and more susceptible to chemical attack than crystalline polymers,which typically are low viscosity and easier-flowing materials. Parts molded of crystalline resins will typically belower stressed and more chemically resistant.

To assist you in evaluating the chemical compatibility of GE engineering thermoplastics in a given application, this

guide provides up-to-date information on the effects of many commonly-encountered chemical media in laboratorytests designed to approximate typical exposure conditions.

Information on chemical compatibility test results are also available from GE Plastics’ computerized databank, theEngineering Resin Information System (ERIS), accessible through all GE technical service representatives.

Straining Effect of Various Agents on General Purpose CYCOLAC*Resins

Agents selected for this study represent a wide range of products known to have staining potential fromexperiences with plastics and other materials. Stain, as referred to herein, is defined as any noticeable change incolor or surface gloss compared to the adjacent plastic.

The effect of single application exposure at 73°F to each agent is reflected in the following test results. In general,staining gets worse with time and temperature. Thus, it is important to attempt removal as soon as possible afterexposure.


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A white general-purpose grade of CYCOLAC ABS thermoplastic resin was utilized to generate all of the stainratings presented herein. Minor differences in staining may, therefore, be noted for other colors of CYCOLAC resin.Fire retardant and alloyed grades of CYCOLAC resin (i.e., alloys with PVC and with polycarbonate) have beendetermined to be similar in staining characteristics to general-purpose CYCOLAC resins.

Many of the agents used in this test scheme are commercial products sold under trade names. The exactcomposition of these products may change without notice. These product changes may create differences instaining potential beyond our control. It is, therefore, essential to perform end-use environment testing with currentproduct formulations.

See Table 1 for Chemical Resistance Chart.

Staining Effects of Various Agents on General Purpose CYCOLAC® Resins


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Table 1. Chemical Resistance Chart.

' See Key to Performance

® Registered Trademarks


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Environmental Stress Cracking Effects Various Chemical Media onGeneral-Purpose CYCOLAC* ABS Resins

The following ratings reflect the effects of continuous exposure (7 day at 73°F) to each chemical environment. Thetest is designed to provide an indication of the long-term performance characteristics for each chemical mediuminvestigated. It should be understood that the various use parameters involved in an actual application, e.g.,chemical exposure duration, loading, temperature, fatigue, stress relaxation, life expectancy, outdoor exposure,etc., may alter performance significantly. Therefore, the chemical resistance information presented herein shouldbe used only as a general guideline, not as a substitute for an actual product performance testing program.


Environmental Stress Cracking Effects of Various Chemical Media on General Purpose CYCOLAC ABS® Resins


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GELOY* Resin

GELOY resins show very good to excellent chemical resistance to many greases and oils, hydrocarbons, dilute

acids and bases, common household cleaners, disinfectants and water. In addition, the PVC containing alloys haveexcellent resistance to some of the more aggressive oils and organic chemicals as would be expected with PVCmaterials. Esters, some halogenated solvents, some aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, and strong acids and basesare not recommended for more than incidental contact or short term exposure.


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GELOY® Resin


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LEXAN* Resin

Certain combinations of chemical environments, temperature and stress can adversely affect thermoplastic partsmade from LEXAN resin. For this reason, lubricants, gaskets, O-rings, cleaning solvents, or any other materialwhich may come in contact with the finished part must be carefully evaluated under end-use conditions for


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compatibility. You should also follow the use and compatibility recommendations of the manufacturer of any suchmaterial.

LEXAN resin generally is stable to water, mineral acids and organic acids. Crazing and/or embrittlement may occurif a part molded from LEXAN resin is highly stressed and exposed to hot water or a moist high-temperatureenvironment. As a result, a temperature limit of 140 to 160°F is recommended under these conditions.


LEXAN® Resin


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NORYL* Resin


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NORYL resins are especially noted among thermoplastics for their outstanding hydrolytic stability. The waterabsorption rate of NORYL resins, both at room temperature and at elevated temperatures, is among the lowest ofany engineering thermoplastic, which contributes to the retention of properties and dimensional stability in thepresence of water, high humidity and even some steam environments. In addition, NORYL resins are also resistantto most aqueous solutions, detergents, acids and bases.

It should be noted the NORYL resins will soften or dissolve in many halogenated and aromatic hydrocarbons. If anapplication requires exposure to or immersion in this type of environment, prototypes or suitable stressed samplesmust be tested under actual operating conditions.


NORYL® Resin


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NORYL GTX* Resin

Durability to withstand long-term exposure to changing weather conditions, extremes of heat and cold, rain, snow,road salt and the complete range of automotive greases, oils and fuels... NORYL GTX resin responds to thetoughest conditions the highways can offer. And it offers this broad environmental resistance together with thestiffness and impact resistance needed for many automotive exterior body panels.

NORYL GTX resin provides superior long-term performance in demanding automotive environments.

Excellent resistance to commonly used automotive fuels, greases and oils.

Excellent resistance to detergents, alcohols, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, and alkaline chemicals.

Poor resistance to concentrated acid.

Fair resistance to diluted acid.



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NORYL GTX® Resin




ULTEM* Resin


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Unlike other amorphous thermoplastics, ULTEM resin offers unusually good resistance to many types of chemicals.Typically, this performance can be demonstrated by ULTEM resin’s ability to perform better in aggressiveenvironments at higher temperatures, for longer periods of time, and under higher levels of stress than most otheramorphous materials.

ULTEM resin typically displays excellent property retention and resistance to environmental stress cracking whenexposed to many chemical automotive and aircraft fluids, fully halogenated hydrocarbons, alcohols and weakaqueous solutions. Exposure to partially halogenated hydrocarbons and strong alkaline environments should beavoided.


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ULTEM® Resin


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VALOX* Resin

VALOX thermoplastic resins are characterized by their excellent resistance to a variety of chemicals, includingaliphatic hydrocarbons, gasoline, oils and greases, dilute acids and bases, detergents, and most aqueous saltsolutions.


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VALOX® Resin


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XENOY* Resin

XENOY thermoplastic resins are based on a technology which blends crystalline and amorphous resins to achievespecific desired properties and performance. The degree of chemical resistance of XENOY resin is directly relatedto the relative percent of crystallinity in the particular grade. As the percent of crystallinity increases, the chemicalresistance of the blend increases. Typically a 2000 series product will provide a slight improvement in chemicalresistance over that of a total amorphous resin, whereas a 6000 series product can typically withstand continuousimmersion in solvents such as gasoline.


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Lubricants

Lubricants which have been found to be generally compatible with the following GE resins under laboratory testconditions: LEXAN, VALOX, ULTEM, XENOY, and SUPEC resins.


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Lubricants which have been found to be generally compatible with the following GE resins under laboratory testconditions: NORYL and GELOY resins.


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Lubricants which have been found to be generally compatible with the following GE resin under laboratory testconditions: NORYL GTX resin.

Cleaning/Degreasing Agents


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Cleaning/degreasing agents which have been found to be generally compatible with the following GE resins underlaboratory test conditions: LEXAN, XENOY resins.

Cleaning/degreasing agents which have been found to be generally compatible with the following GE resins underlaboratory test conditions: VALOX, SUPEC resins.

Cleaning/degreasing agents which have been found to be generally compatible with the following GE resin underlaboratory test conditions: ULTEM resin.


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Cleaning/degreasing agents which have been found to be generally compatible with the following GE resins underlaboratory test conditions: NORYL and GELOY resins.

Cleaning/degreasing agents which have been found to be generally compatible with the following GE resin underlaboratory test conditions: NORYL GTX resin.

* Materials with an asterisk should be used only for wiping or short-term immersion (less than 10


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minutes). If parts are in complete immersion, care should be taken to remove last traces ofsolvent by forced air drying, or rinse in isopropyl alcohol or hot water. All parts should be testedfor compatibility with systems used.

Conversion Tables

In using this table the given temperature is located in the center column and, if the given temperature is Fahrenheit,its equivalent in the Celsius scale will be the figure to the left. If the given temperature is Celsius, its equivalent inFahrenheit will be found on the right.

°F – °C = (°F – 32) ÷ 1.8 °C – °F = (°C x 1.8) + 32 °C – K = °C + 273.15.


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DISCLAIMER: THE MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS OF THE BUSINESSES MAKING UP THE GE PLASTICSUNIT OF GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY*, USA, ITS SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES ("GEP"), ARE SOLDSUBJECT TO GEP'S STANDARD CONDITIONS OF SALE, WHICH ARE INCLUDED IN THE APPLICABLEDISTRIBUTOR OR OTHER SALES AGREEMENT, PRINTED ON THE BACK OF ORDER ACKNOWLEDGMENTSAND INVOICES, AND AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. ALTHOUGH ANY INFORMATION, RECOMMENDATIONS,OR ADVICE CONTAINED HEREIN IS GIVEN IN GOOD FAITH, GEP MAKES NO WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE,EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, (I) THAT THE RESULTS DESCRIBED HEREIN WILL BE OBTAINED UNDER END-USE

CONDITIONS, OR (II) AS TO THE EFFECTIVENESS OR SAFETY OF ANY DESIGN INCORPORATING GEPMATERIALS, PRODUCTS, RECOMMENDATIONS OR ADVICE. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN GEP'S STANDARDCONDITIONS OF SALE, GEP AND ITS REPRESENTATIVES SHALL IN NO EVENT BE RESPONSIBLE FORANY LOSS RESULTING FROM ANY USE OF ITS MATERIALS OR PRODUCTS DESCRIBED HEREIN. Eachuser bears full responsibility for making its own determination as to the suitability of GEP's materials, products,recommendations, or advice for its own particular use. Each user must identify and perform all tests and analysesnecessary to assure that its finished parts incorporating GEP materials or products will be safe and suitable for useunder end-use conditions. Nothing in this or any other document, nor any oral recommendation or advice, shall bedeemed to alter, vary, supersede, or waive any provision of GEP's Standard Conditions of Sale or this Disclaimer,unless any such modification is specifically agreed to in a writing signed by GEP. No statement contained hereinconcerning a possible or suggested use of any material, product or design is intended, or should be construed, togrant any license under any patent or other intellectual property right of General Electric Company or any of itssubsidiaries or affiliates covering such use or design, or as a recommendation for the use of such material, product

or design in the infringement of any patent or other intellectual property right.* Company not connected with the English company of a similar name.

Lexan*, Noryl*, Noryl EF*, Noryl GTX*, Noryl* Xtra, Valox*, Ultem*, Xenoy*, Cycolac*, Cycoloy*, Enduran*, Gelon*and Geloy* are Registered Trademarks of General Electric Co., USA.

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