Ethan Clarke
Acetone is a powerful solvent that can dissolve certain plastics. It is important to choose the right plastic material to ensure that your product does not dissolve or get damaged. Some plastics that are resistant to acetone include polypropylene, nylon, PLA, PTFE (Teflon), and Makrolon AR2. Variables such as concentration, temperature, length of exposure, and the presence of other chemicals can also affect the resistance of plastics to acetone. Consulting chemical resistance charts and considering the specific requirements of your application are crucial steps in selecting the most suitable plastic for your needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastics with high resistance to acetone | Nylon, PTFE (Teflon), Polypropylene, PLA, Polyethylene, Makrolon AR2 |
| Plastics with moderate resistance to acetone | PETG |
| Plastics with low resistance to acetone | Acrylic, Polycarbonate |
| Other factors affecting resistance | Concentration, temperature, length of time, frequency, presence of other chemicals |
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What You'll Learn
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or Teflon is resistant to acetone
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon, is a plastic that is resistant to acetone. PTFE is known for its chemical resistance and inertness, making it highly resistant to various substances, including acetone. This resistance to acetone makes PTFE a useful material in certain applications, such as creating a clear, acetone-resistant barrier in workspaces.
PTFE's resistance to acetone is just one aspect of its exceptional chemical resistance. PTFE is also highly resistant to UV radiation, solids, liquids, acids, alcohols, detergents, and solvents. Its chemical inertness and insolubility provide outstanding stability and durability in various chemical environments, making it ideal for use with reactive and corrosive chemicals.
The brand name Teflon is widely recognized and is made primarily from PTFE material. This close association between Teflon and PTFE highlights the importance and versatility of this plastic. PTFE's resistance to acetone and other substances makes it a valuable material in a range of industries and applications.
While PTFE exhibits remarkable resistance to many substances, it is not compatible with everything. For example, molten alkali metals and fluorinating agents will chemically attack and damage PTFE. Therefore, it is important to consider the specific chemicals and substances that a material will be exposed to when selecting the appropriate plastic.
In summary, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or Teflon is a highly resistant plastic that can withstand acetone and a wide range of other chemicals. Its unique properties, such as chemical inertness and insolubility, make it a valuable and versatile material in various industries. However, it is essential to consider PTFE's limitations and specific applications when utilizing its resistance properties.
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Polypropylene (PP) is an A-rated plastic with no solvent attack
Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer with a range of applications. It is the second-most widely produced commodity plastic, after polyethylene. It is lightweight, tough, rigid, and crystalline, and has high heat resistance.
PP is known for its high resistance to fatigue, impact, heat, and freezing. It is harder than polyethylene and can be used for mechanical and structural applications. Its density is fixed and only varies when it is filled.
PP has good resistance to non-oxidizing acids and bases, fats, and most organic solvents. However, it becomes brittle at low temperatures and is sensitive to microbial attacks such as bacteria and mould.
According to Plastics International's Chemical Resistance Chart, PP is an A-rated plastic with no solvent attack towards acetone. This makes it a suitable material for use in applications where acetone resistance is required.
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Nylon is resistant to acetone but not acids
Nylon is a plastic that is widely recognised for its chemical resistance. Notably, it is resistant to acetone, a colourless and flammable liquid that is commonly used as a solvent and has a range of applications, including in the cosmetic industry as a nail polish remover and in the production of plastics and fibres. However, despite its impressive chemical resilience, nylon is not resistant to acids.
Nylon is a versatile synthetic polymer that exhibits excellent chemical resistance to a variety of substances, including oils, fuels, gasoline, mineral spirits, and certain alcohols. Its high melting point, approximately 256°C (492°F), contributes to its durability and makes it suitable for applications where heat resistance is essential. The chemical compatibility of nylon varies depending on its specific form, and it is crucial to assess its compatibility with particular chemicals before permanent installation.
One of the standout features of nylon is its acetone resistance. Acetone is a potent solvent that can easily dissolve many types of plastics. However, nylon exhibits remarkable resilience against acetone's corrosive effects. This attribute makes nylon particularly valuable in various industries, such as the medical field, where acetone is commonly used as a solvent and sterilising agent.
Despite nylon's impressive resistance to acetone and other chemicals, it is important to recognise its limitations. Nylon is not resistant to acids. Acids can degrade and damage nylon surfaces or products, compromising their structural integrity and performance. Therefore, when considering nylon for specific applications, it is crucial to understand its chemical compatibility with the substances it is likely to encounter.
To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of nylon products, it is recommended to refer to chemical compatibility charts or guides. These resources provide valuable information on nylon's compatibility with various chemicals, helping engineers, technicians, and researchers make informed decisions about the suitability of nylon for their specific applications. By carefully considering the chemicals that nylon will be exposed to, users can maintain the efficiency and safety of their systems.
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PLA is resistant to acetone but not acids
When it comes to plastics and their resistance to acetone, there are several options available. However, one specific type of plastic, PLA, stands out for its unique characteristics.
PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a popular 3D printing material known for its versatility and ease of use. While PLA is resistant to acetone, it is important to note that this resistance is not absolute. Under certain conditions, acetone can dissolve PLA, particularly those with low molecular weight PLA polymers consisting of shorter polymer chains. These shorter chains make them more susceptible to chemical attack by solvents like acetone. On the other hand, PLA with higher molecular weight, commonly used in 3D printing, exhibits enhanced strength and flexibility, making it less vulnerable to acetone dissolution.
Despite its resistance to acetone, PLA is not resistant to acids. This is an important distinction to make, as some people may assume that since PLA can withstand acetone, it can also handle acidic substances. However, that is not the case. Acids can easily break down and damage PLA, rendering it unsuitable for use in chemically aggressive environments where acids are present.
In comparison to PLA, other plastics, such as nylon, exhibit complete resistance to acetone. Nylon is widely regarded as one of the most chemical-resistant plastics available in filament form. While nylon provides excellent resistance to acetone, it is not resistant to acids. This is a similar scenario to PLA, where a plastic that is strong against one chemical agent may not necessarily be effective against another.
To further complicate the search for acetone-resistant plastics, commonly used plastics like acrylic, polycarbonate, and PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified) are not ideal as they turn cloudy upon contact with acetone. This limits their use in applications where clarity and transparency are essential.
In conclusion, while PLA is resistant to acetone, it is not a suitable choice for environments with acidic substances due to its lack of acid resistance. When selecting a plastic for a specific application, it is crucial to consider not only its resistance to acetone but also its performance against other chemicals, such as acids, to ensure the material's longevity and functionality.
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Polyethylene is more resistant to corrosion than PLA
Polyethylene is a more effective choice than PLA when it comes to corrosion resistance, particularly in the long term. This is because, while PLA is resistant to acetone, it is not resistant to acids. In fact, in a corrosion test, PLA was shown to become flexible and warped after exposure to acetone vapour.
In contrast, polyethylene is a more sturdy and resistant material for long-term storage and use. It is also important to consider the specific application and the risk of chemical exposure to ensure the safety and durability of the printed object. For example, in an industrial environment, a wide variety of solvents may be present, including alcohols, ketones, and esters.
Nylon is another plastic that is known for its chemical resistance and is completely resistant to acetone. However, it is not resistant to acids. When it comes to A-rated plastics with no solvent attack towards acetone, polypropylene appears to be the only plastic that satisfies all the criteria.
Overall, when it comes to corrosion resistance, polyethylene is a better choice than PLA due to its higher sturdiness and resistance to a wider range of chemicals.
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Frequently asked questions
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), commonly known as Teflon, is known for its chemical resistance, including resistance to acetone. It is transparent and available in sheets of various thicknesses. Other plastics that are resistant to acetone include nylon, polypropylene, and PLA.
While acrylic and polycarbonate plastics will turn cloudy on contact with acetone, Makrolon AR2 is a commercially available polycarbonate with a proprietary coating that has >24hr resistance to acetone. PTFE is also transparent.
The acetone will damage the surface of the plastic, softening it, smearing it, or even dissolving it.
