Wheel Materials vs. Chemical Compatibility Guide
Casters and Wheels need to operate in a wide range of environments. Chemical exposure can greatly reduce the lifespan of certain materials so it's essential to pick the right wheel materials as compared to the chemical environments those wheels will be exposed to. Use our guide to see what wheels best fit your application. As always if you have any questions give us a call or contact us.
Wheel Materials vs. Chemical Compatibility Guide
Casters and Wheels need to operate in a wide range of environments. Chemical exposure can greatly reduce the lifespan of certain materials so it's essential to pick the right wheel materials as compared to the chemical environments those wheels will be exposed to. Use our guide to see what wheels best fit your application. As always if you have any questions give us a call or contact us.
Acetone
(CH₃)₂CO
Acetone Caster Compatibility
Chemical Overview
Molecular Formula: C₃H₆O
Physical Properties: Acetone is a colorless, volatile liquid with a sweetish odor. It has a density of 0.79 g/cm³, a boiling point of 56°C, and is highly flammable. It is miscible with water and a common solvent. (Source: PubChem)
Industrial Applications
Acetone is widely used as a solvent in paints, coatings, and adhesives, and in chemical synthesis. It is common in laboratories, manufacturing, and cleaning operations, with exposure risks from spills or vapors affecting caster wheels.
Wheel Material Compatibility Summary
Best Suited (A/B): Polyolefin and Nylon Glass Filled resist acetone well. Polyurethane on Aluminum Core is also suitable.
Avoid (C/D): Avoid Rubber, Neoprene/Nylon Glass Core, and Thermoplastic Rubber due to swelling or dissolution.
Wheel Compatibility Table
| Wheel Material | Interaction Description | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Ductile Cast Iron | Minimal interaction; generally resistant. | A |
| Elastomer | Swelling and softening; poor performance. | D | analis>
| Forged Steel | Resistant; no significant degradation. | A |
| Neoprene/Nylon Glass Core | Neoprene dissolves; nylon core resists but overall poor. | D |
| Nylon | Good resistance; slight solvent absorption. | B |
| Nylon Glass Filled | Excellent resistance; highly stable. | A |
| Phenolic | Moderate resistance; some softening. | C |
| Polyolefin | Excellent resistance; chemically inert. | A |
| Polyurethane on Aluminum Core | Good resistance; aluminum unaffected. | A |
| Polyurethane on Iron Core | Polyurethane resists; iron core unaffected. | A |
| Rubber | Swells and dissolves; unsuitable. | D |
| Solid Elastomer | Swelling and degradation; poor suitability. | D |
| Thermoplastic Rubber | Significant swelling; rapid degradation. | D |
| Urethane | Moderate resistance; some softening. | C |
| V-Grooved Iron | Resistant; no significant interaction. | A |
Conclusion
Acetone is a strong solvent that affects many elastomers. Polyolefin, Nylon Glass Filled, and Polyurethane on Aluminum/Iron Core are ideal for acetone exposure, while Rubber and Thermoplastic Rubber should be avoided due to severe degradation. For more details, contact us at CasterTech.