Omar Khalid
Acetone, also known as dimethyl ketone or propanone, is a commonly used and inexpensive solvent. It is often used to dissolve chemicals for practical applications. While some plastics are unaffected by acetone, others will soften, deform, and ultimately break down when exposed to it. This is because acetone deconstructs the molecules of these plastics. The impact of acetone on a plastic product depends on its chemical makeup and other variables such as concentration, temperature, and length of exposure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effect on plastic | Acetone can dissolve, soften, smear or deform certain plastics |
| Plastic types affected | PVC (polyvinyl chloride), styrofoam (polystyrene), plastics with a similar chemical makeup to acetone |
| Plastic types unaffected | High-density polyethylene, polypropylene, Teflon, plastics with a dissimilar chemical makeup to acetone |
| Toxicity | Toxic to humans, can cause skin irritation to eyes, nose and throat; flammable and combustible |
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What You'll Learn
Acetone's toxicity to humans
Acetone is a clear liquid commonly found in household products like furniture polish, rubbing alcohol, and nail polish remover. It is also naturally produced by the body in small amounts. While acetone is useful for many applications, it is toxic to the human body and can cause serious health issues if exposed to high concentrations.
Acetone is harmful to the skin and the lining of the mouth and esophagus. Exposure to acetone can cause skin and eye irritation and affect the nose and throat. Inhalation of acetone can have neurological effects and impact the lungs and cardiovascular system. Animal studies have shown that acetone exposure can lead to changes in lung function due to suppression of the CNS (Central Nervous System). Additionally, acetone may enhance the respiratory effects of other chemicals.
Acute exposure to acetone through inhalation or ingestion can result in serious health issues. Human case studies have reported tachycardia, acidosis, and changes in blood pressure following oral acetone exposure. Inhalation exposure to acetone has been associated with reproductive effects in women, including shortened menstrual cycles and increased incidences of pregnancy complications. However, the findings on reproductive effects are limited and inconsistent.
Prolonged exposure to acetone can also lead to acetone poisoning, characterized by an abnormally high level of ketones in the body, also known as ketoacidosis. Symptoms of acetone poisoning include a fruity odor on the breath and an elevated breathing rate as the body tries to rid itself of accumulated acids in the blood. Ketoacidosis is a dangerous condition that can develop in individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes if glucose levels are not properly managed. It can also occur due to prolonged starvation.
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Plastic types that dissolve in acetone
Plastic is a type of material, not a single material. Different plastics have different physical and chemical properties, and some plastics can be dissolved by acetone, while others cannot.
Acetone has no impact on some materials, but it will cause others to soften, deform, and ultimately break down as the acetone deconstructs the molecules. The chemical makeup of these plastics is too similar to acetone, and they cannot resist its effects.
Plastics that can be dissolved by acetone include PVC (polyvinyl chloride), styrofoam (polystyrene), and ABS. Polystyrene, in particular, is easily dissolved in acetone and other strong solvents like toluene. Acetal is another plastic that will have a limited life if it comes into regular contact with acetone.
On the other hand, acetone is often sold in metal containers or plastic bottles made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). It can also be contained in plastic bottles made of polypropylene or Teflon. These plastics do not dissolve in acetone.
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Plastic types that resist acetone
Acetone is a chemical that can dissolve or be dissolved by many plastics. However, not all plastics react the same way to acetone. Some plastics have no impact when exposed to acetone, while others will break down and dissolve. The difference in reaction depends on the chemical makeup of the plastic.
When choosing a plastic for custom parts, it is essential to consider the plastic's resistance to acetone. Consulting a plastic chemical resistance chart can help determine the most suitable plastic for a specific application.
Some plastics that are known to resist acetone include:
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): Acetone is often sold in plastic bottles made of HDPE. It is a common plastic material that is resistant to acetone.
- Polypropylene: Polypropylene is an A-rated plastic on the Plastics International Chemical Resistance Chart, indicating that it has no solvent attack from acetone. It is known to satisfy all criteria for acetone resistance.
- PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene): Also known as Teflon, PTFE is a transparent plastic known for its chemical resistance, including resistance to acetone. It is available in various thicknesses, including sheets, and is commonly used in applications where a clear, acetone-resistant barrier is required.
- Makrolon AR2: This is a polycarbonate plastic with a proprietary coating that offers >24 hours of resistance to acetone and other chemicals. It is a commercially available option for acetone-resistant plastics.
It is important to note that while these plastics are known to resist acetone, the resistance can be affected by various factors such as concentration, temperature, length of exposure, frequency of exposure, and the presence of other chemicals.
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Acetone's flammability and explosiveness
Acetone is a highly flammable chemical that can easily ignite from a long distance with the presence of heat, sparks, or flames. Its vapours are heavier than air and spread along the ground, collecting in low or confined areas such as sewers, basements, and tanks, posing a risk of explosion. When handling acetone, it is crucial to eliminate all potential sources of ignition, including smoking, flares, sparks, and open flames, within a significant distance. Additionally, acetone's flammability and explosiveness are not limited to the liquid form, as its vapours can travel to the source of ignition and cause a flash-back ignition.
To prevent fires and explosions, it is imperative to follow specific precautions when working with acetone. All equipment used must be properly grounded, and in the event of a spill, it is crucial to contain and absorb the liquid without touching or walking through it. A vapor-suppressing foam can be employed to reduce vapours, and dry earth, sand, or other non-combustible materials can be used for absorption. The absorbed material should then be collected using clean, non-sparking tools and transferred to suitable containers.
The flammability and explosiveness of acetone pose significant risks, especially when it comes into contact with certain plastics. Acetone can soften, deform, and ultimately break down plastic materials as it deconstructs their molecules. This breakdown can lead to the release of combustible chemicals, increasing the risk of explosions and fires, especially if the plastic tanks contain other combustible substances.
Furthermore, acetone's flammability and explosiveness are not limited to its interaction with plastics. It reacts violently with nitric acid and can cause explosive reactions when mixed with certain chemicals, such as nitrosyl perchlorate and primary amine. Therefore, it is essential to handle acetone with extreme caution and adhere to safety guidelines to mitigate the risks associated with its flammability and explosiveness.
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Acetone's use as a solvent
Acetone, also known as dimethyl ketone or propanone, is a commonly used and relatively inexpensive solvent. A solvent is a substance that dissolves a solute without reacting with it, allowing the dissolved chemical to be used for practical purposes.
Acetone is an effective solvent due to its chemical makeup, which is similar to that of many plastics. When acetone comes into contact with plastics that have a similar composition, it can dissolve or affect the surface of the plastic, softening, smearing, or even dissolving it. This is known as the "like dissolves like" rule, where solubility is guaranteed if the solute and solvent have similar features. For example, water is an excellent solvent for wood alcohol or methanol due to the presence of the hydroxyl group (-OH).
The impact of acetone on plastics varies depending on the specific type of plastic. Some plastics, such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and styrofoam (polystyrene), are susceptible to acetone exposure and will break down. On the other hand, plastics like polyethylene, polypropylene, and Teflon are resistant to acetone and can be used to create acetone containers. The chemical resistance of a plastic to acetone can be determined using a plastic chemical resistance chart.
It is important to consider the potential hazards associated with using acetone as a solvent. Acetone is toxic to the human body and can cause skin irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. It is also highly flammable and combustible, posing a risk of explosions and fires when used near combustible materials. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution and consult relevant resources when working with acetone and choosing the appropriate plastic materials.
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Frequently asked questions
Acetone can dissolve certain plastics or cause their surfaces to soften, smear, or break down.
The chemical makeup of plastics varies, and if a particular plastic is similar to acetone, it is more likely to be dissolved or affected by it.
You can refer to a plastic chemical resistance chart to determine the resistance of different plastics to acetone.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and styrofoam (polystyrene) are two plastics that can break down when exposed to acetone.
Yes, acetone is toxic to humans and can cause skin irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. It is also highly flammable, so it should not be used with plastics or plastic tanks to avoid the risk of explosions or fires.
