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.
Hydrochloric Acid (37%)
HCl
Hydrochloric Acid 37% Caster Compatibility
Chemical Overview
Molecular Formula: HCl
Physical Properties: Hydrochloric acid (37% aqueous solution) is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pungent odor. It has a density of ~1.18 g/cm³, is miscible with water, and is highly corrosive. (Source: PubChem)
Industrial Applications
Hydrochloric acid is used in metal cleaning, chemical synthesis, and pH adjustment. Caster wheels may be exposed in chemical plants or cleaning operations.
Wheel Material Compatibility Summary
Best Suited (A/B): Polyolefin is highly resistant to 37% hydrochloric acid.
Avoid (C/D): Avoid all metal-based wheels, Rubber, Polyurethane-based wheels, and most plastics due to severe corrosion or degradation.
Wheel Compatibility Table
| Wheel Material | Interaction Description | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Ductile Cast Iron | Severe corrosion; unsuitable. | D |
| Elastomer | Severe degradation; unsuitable. | D |
| Forged Steel | Corrodes rapidly; not recommended. | D |
| Neoprene/Nylon Glass Core | Neoprene degrades; nylon core degrades; unsuitable. | D |
| Nylon | Significant degradation; unsuitable. | D |
| Nylon Glass Filled | Moderate resistance; some degradation. | C |
| Phenolic | Severe degradation; unsuitable. | D |
| Polyolefin | Excellent chemical inertness. | A |
| Polyurethane on Aluminum Core | Polyurethane degrades; aluminum corrodes; unsuitable. | D |
| Polyurethane on Iron Core | Polyurethane degrades; iron corrodes; unsuitable. | D |
| Rubber | Severe degradation; unsuitable. | D |
| Solid Elastomer | Severe degradation; unsuitable. | D |
| Thermoplastic Rubber | Severe degradation; unsuitable. | D |
| Urethane | Severe degradation; unsuitable. | D |
| V-Grooved Iron | Severe corrosion; unsuitable. | D |
Conclusion
Hydrochloric acid (37%) is extremely corrosive, and Polyolefin is the only suitable caster wheel material. Avoid all metal-based wheels, Rubber, and Polyurethane-based wheels due to severe corrosion and degradation. For further guidance, contact us at CasterTech.