Polyoxymethylene (POM) Analysis

Polyoxymethylene (POM) is a semi-crystalline, formaldehyde-based, thermoplastic containing the functional group of carbon, which is widely used to produce high precision parts thanks to its high lubricity. Fully recyclable. POM is known as polyformaldehyde, polymethylene glycol and polyoxymethylene glycol.

Polyoxymethylene resins are widely used in the manufacture of precision parts for applications that demand good dimensional stability and sliding properties. Automotive, electrical and electronics, pharmaceuticals and various industrial fields are at the forefront of these applications. The polymer serves as an alternative to metals due to its low friction and wear properties as well as its excellent balance of mechanical and chemical properties.

Polyoxymethylene resins exhibit well-balanced properties ranging from mechanical to physical to flammability performance. The main benefits of POM resins are:

• Shows excellent mechanical properties over a temperature range of minus 40 degrees to plus 140 degrees Celsius
• Shows high tensile strength, rigidity and short-term toughness
• Shows low creep propensity, long-term fatigue compared to nylon
• Not susceptible to environmental stress cracking
• Shows a high degree of crystallinity and excellent dimensional stability
• It has excellent wear resistance
• It has a low coefficient of friction
• Good resistance to organic solvents and chemicals except phenols at room temperature
• It has low smoke emission
• It has glossy surfaces
• It has low moisture absorption

Polyoxymethylene (POM) is often produced with various degrees of polymerization resulting in different properties to meet demanding applications.

As for the weaknesses of POM resins:

• Poor resistance to strong acids, bases and oxidizing agents
• Easily burns without flame retardants due to its high oxygen content
• Poor thermal stability without proper stabilizer system
• Limited processing temperature range available
• Shows high mold shrinkage
• Poor resistance to UV radiation, prolonged exposure leads to discoloration, brittleness and loss of strength
• Low surface energy and therefore difficult to bond without surface treatment

Despite these limitations, POM bonding can be improved by applying special treatments such as surface etching, flame treatment, or mechanical abrasion.

Our organization also provides polyoxymethylene (POM) analysis services with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment, among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors.