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.
Hydrobromic Acid (20%)
HBr
Hydrobromic Acid 20% Caster Compatibility
Chemical Overview
Molecular Formula: HBr
Physical Properties: Hydrobromic acid 20% is a colorless to pale yellow aqueous solution with a pungent odor. It has a density of ~1.17 g/cm³ at 20°C and is fully miscible with water. It is a strong acid and corrosive. (Source: PubChem)
Industrial Applications
Hydrobromic acid 20% is used in:
- Chemical Synthesis: In producing bromides and organic compounds.
- Pharmaceuticals: As a reagent in drug manufacturing.
- Metal Processing: In etching and cleaning metals.
- Exposure Scenarios: Spills in chemical labs or manufacturing may contact caster wheels.
Wheel Material Compatibility Summary
Best Suited Materials (A/B Ratings): Polyolefin (A) and Phenolic (B) resist acid corrosion.
Materials to Avoid (C/D Ratings): Avoid metals (Ductile Cast Iron, Forged Steel) and elastomers (Rubber, Urethane) due to corrosion or degradation.
Wheel Compatibility Table
| Wheel Material | Interaction Description | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Ductile Cast Iron | Corrodes in acidic conditions. | D |
| Elastomer | Degrades under acid exposure. | D |
| Forged Steel | Prone to corrosion from acids. | D |
| Neoprene/Nylon Glass Core | Neoprene degrades; nylon has limited resistance. | C |
| Nylon | Moderate resistance; degrades over time. | C |
| Nylon Glass Filled | Slightly better than nylon; still vulnerable. | C |
| Phenolic | Resistant to acids; moderate performance. | B |
| Polyolefin | Excellent acid resistance; unaffected. | A |
| Polyurethane on Aluminum Core | Polyurethane degrades; aluminum corrodes slightly. | D |
| Polyurethane on Iron Core | Polyurethane degrades; iron corrodes. | D |
| Rubber | Rapid degradation from acid. | D |
| Solid Elastomer | Degrades in acidic conditions. | D |
| Thermoplastic Rubber | Poor resistance to acids; degrades. | D |
| Urethane | Degrades under acid exposure. | D |
| V-Grooved Iron | Corrodes rapidly in acid. | D |
Conclusion
Hydrobromic acid 20% is compatible with Polyolefin wheels (A rating). Avoid metals (Ductile Cast Iron, Forged Steel) and elastomers (Rubber, Urethane) due to corrosion and degradation. For help, contact CasterTech.