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.
Formaldehyde (37%)
HCHO
Formaldehyde 37% Caster Compatibility
Chemical Overview
Molecular Formula: CH₂O
Physical Properties: Formaldehyde 37% (formalin) is a colorless aqueous solution with a pungent odor. It has a boiling point of ~100°C, a density of ~1.09 g/cm³ at 20°C, and is fully miscible with water. It is a strong disinfectant and preservative. (Source: PubChem)
Industrial Applications
Formaldehyde 37% is used in:
- Disinfectants: In medical and laboratory settings.
- Resins: In producing urea-formaldehyde and phenolic resins.
- Preservatives: In embalming and biological specimen preservation.
- Exposure Scenarios: Spills in labs, hospitals, or resin production may contact caster wheels.
Wheel Material Compatibility Summary
Best Suited Materials (A/B Ratings): Polyolefin (A) and Nylon (B) resist formaldehyde well. Ductile Cast Iron and Forged Steel (A) are also suitable.
Materials to Avoid (C/D Ratings): Avoid Urethane and Thermoplastic Rubber (C/D) due to degradation.
Wheel Compatibility Table
| Wheel Material | Interaction Description | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Ductile Cast Iron | Resistant to formaldehyde; minimal corrosion. | A |
| Elastomer | Moderate degradation over time. | C |
| Forged Steel | Unaffected by formaldehyde. | A |
| Neoprene/Nylon Glass Core | Neoprene resists moderately; nylon core stable. | B |
| Nylon | Good resistance; minimal impact. | B |
| Nylon Glass Filled | Similar to nylon; slightly better stability. | B |
| Phenolic | Resistant to formaldehyde; stable. | B |
| Polyolefin | Excellent resistance; unaffected. | A |
| Polyurethane on Aluminum Core | Polyurethane may degrade; aluminum resists. | C |
| Polyurethane on Iron Core | Polyurethane degrades; iron unaffected. | C |
| Rubber | Moderate degradation; not ideal. | C |
| Solid Elastomer | Some degradation possible. | C |
| Thermoplastic Rubber | Degrades with prolonged exposure. | D |
| Urethane | Degradation likely; poor performance. | C |
| V-Grooved Iron | Resistant; no significant corrosion. | A |
Conclusion
Formaldehyde 37% is compatible with Polyolefin, Ductile Cast Iron, and Forged Steel wheels (A ratings). Avoid Thermoplastic Rubber and Urethane (C/D ratings) due to degradation. For support, contact CasterTech.