Chemical Compatibility Guide

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Technical 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 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 laboratory tests designed
to approximate typical exposure conditions.

Contents
Introduction
Introduction

CYCOLAC* Resin
Straining Effect of Various Agents on General Purpose CYCOLAC* Resins
Environmental Stress Cracking Effects Various Chemical Media on General-Purpose CYCOLAC* ABS Resins

GELOY* Resin
GELOY* Resin

LEXAN* Resin
LEXAN* Resin

NORYL* Resin
NORYL* Resin

NORYL GTX* Resin

NORYL GTX* Resin

ULTEM* Resin
ULTEM* Resin

VALOX* Resin
VALOX* Resin

XENOY* Resin
XENOY* Resin

Lubricants
Lubricants

Cleaning/Degreasing Agents
Cleaning/Degreasing Agents

Conversion Tables
Conversion Tables

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 exposure
ordinarily results in a softening effect, or cracking and crazing of the thermoplastic. As softening occurs, the percent
weight increases while tensile strength decreases. As cracking and/or crazing occurs, the percent elongation
decreases.
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 be
lower 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 laboratory
tests designed to approximate typical exposure conditions.
Information on chemical compatibility test results are also available from GE Plastics computerized databank, the
Engineering 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 from
experiences with plastics and other materials. Stain, as referred to herein, is defined as any noticeable change in
color or surface gloss compared to the adjacent plastic.
The effect of single application exposure at 73F 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 after
exposure.

A white general-purpose grade of CYCOLAC ABS thermoplastic resin was utilized to generate all of the stain
ratings 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 been
determined 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 exact
composition of these products may change without notice. These product changes may create differences in
staining potential beyond our control. It is, therefore, essential to perform end-use environment testing with current
product formulations.

See Table 1 for Chemical Resistance Chart.

Staining Effects of Various Agents on General Purpose CYCOLAC Resins

Table 1. Chemical Resistance Chart.

' See Key to Performance

Registered Trademarks

Environmental Stress Cracking Effects Various Chemical Media on

General-Purpose CYCOLAC* ABS Resins

The following ratings reflect the effects of continuous exposure (7 day at 73F) to each chemical environment. The
test is designed to provide an indication of the long-term performance characteristics for each chemical medium
investigated. 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 should
be used only as a general guideline, not as a substitute for an actual product performance testing program.

See Table 2 for Chemical Resistance Chart.

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

Table 2. Chemical Resistance Chart.

' See Key to Performance

Registered Trademarks

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 have
excellent resistance to some of the more aggressive oils and organic chemicals as would be expected with PVC
materials. Esters, some halogenated solvents, some aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, and strong acids and bases
are not recommended for more than incidental contact or short term exposure.

See Table 3 for Chemical Resistance Chart.

GELOY Resin

Table 3. Chemical Resistance Chart.

' See Key to Performance

Registered Trademarks

LEXAN* Resin

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

compatibility. You should also follow the use and compatibility recommendations of the manufacturer of any such
material.
LEXAN resin generally is stable to water, mineral acids and organic acids. Crazing and/or embrittlement may occur
if a part molded from LEXAN resin is highly stressed and exposed to hot water or a moist high-temperature
environment. As a result, a temperature limit of 140 to 160F is recommended under these conditions.

See Table 4 for Chemical Resistance Chart.

LEXAN Resin

Table 4. Chemical Resistance Chart.

' See Key to Performance

Registered Trademarks

NORYL* Resin

NORYL resins are especially noted among thermoplastics for their outstanding hydrolytic stability. The water
absorption rate of NORYL resins, both at room temperature and at elevated temperatures, is among the lowest of
any engineering thermoplastic, which contributes to the retention of properties and dimensional stability in the
presence of water, high humidity and even some steam environments. In addition, NORYL resins are also resistant
to 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 an
application requires exposure to or immersion in this type of environment, prototypes or suitable stressed samples
must be tested under actual operating conditions.

See Table 5 for Chemical Resistance Chart.

NORYL Resin

Table 5. Chemical Resistance Chart.

' See Key to Performance

Registered Trademarks

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 the
toughest conditions the highways can offer. And it offers this broad environmental resistance together with the
stiffness 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.

See Table 6 for Chemical Resistance Chart.

NORYL GTX Resin

Table 6. Chemical Resistance Chart.

' See Key to Performance

Registered Trademarks

ULTEM* Resin

Unlike other amorphous thermoplastics, ULTEM resin offers unusually good resistance to many types of chemicals.
Typically, this performance can be demonstrated by ULTEM resins ability to perform better in aggressive
environments at higher temperatures, for longer periods of time, and under higher levels of stress than most other
amorphous materials.
ULTEM resin typically displays excellent property retention and resistance to environmental stress cracking when
exposed to many chemical automotive and aircraft fluids, fully halogenated hydrocarbons, alcohols and weak
aqueous solutions. Exposure to partially halogenated hydrocarbons and strong alkaline environments should be
avoided.

See Table 8 for Chemical Resistance Chart.

ULTEM Resin

Table 8. Chemical Resistance Chart.

' See Key to Performance

Registered Trademarks

VALOX* Resin

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

See Table 9 for Chemical Resistance Chart.

VALOX Resin

Table 9. Chemical Resistance Chart.

' See Key to Performance

Registered Trademarks

XENOY* Resin

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

See Table 10 for Chemical Resistance Chart.

XENOY Resin

Table 10. Chemical Resistance Chart.

' See Key to Performance

Registered Trademarks

Lubricants

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

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

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

Cleaning/Degreasing Agents

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

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

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

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

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

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

minutes). If parts are in complete immersion, care should be taken to remove last traces of
solvent by forced air drying, or rinse in isopropyl alcohol or hot water. All parts should be tested
for 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 in
Fahrenheit will be found on the right.
F C = (F 32) 1.8 C F = (C x 1.8) + 32 C K = C + 273.15.

DISCLAIMER: THE MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS OF THE BUSINESSES MAKING UP THE GE PLASTICS
UNIT OF GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY*, USA, ITS SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES ("GEP"), ARE SOLD
SUBJECT TO GEP'S STANDARD CONDITIONS OF SALE, WHICH ARE INCLUDED IN THE APPLICABLE
DISTRIBUTOR OR OTHER SALES AGREEMENT, PRINTED ON THE BACK OF ORDER ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
AND 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 GEP
MATERIALS, PRODUCTS, RECOMMENDATIONS OR ADVICE. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN GEP'S STANDARD
CONDITIONS OF SALE, GEP AND ITS REPRESENTATIVES SHALL IN NO EVENT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR
ANY LOSS RESULTING FROM ANY USE OF ITS MATERIALS OR PRODUCTS DESCRIBED HEREIN. Each
user 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 analyses
necessary to assure that its finished parts incorporating GEP materials or products will be safe and suitable for use
under end-use conditions. Nothing in this or any other document, nor any oral recommendation or advice, shall be
deemed 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 herein
concerning a possible or suggested use of any material, product or design is intended, or should be construed, to
grant any license under any patent or other intellectual property right of General Electric Company or any of its
subsidiaries 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.