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.
Potassium Dichromate
K₂Cr₂O₇
Potassium Dichromate Caster Compatibility
Chemical Overview
Molecular Formula: K₂Cr₂O₇
Physical Properties: Potassium dichromate is a bright orange-red crystalline solid, typically used in aqueous solutions. It has a melting point of 398°C, a density of 2.676 g/cm³, and is soluble in water (12.5 g/100 mL at 20°C). It is a strong oxidizer and toxic. (Source: PubChem)
Industrial Applications
Potassium dichromate is used in:
- Chromium Plating: In electroplating processes.
- Chemical Analysis: As an oxidizing agent in titrations.
- Dyeing: In textile and leather industries.
- Exposure Scenarios: Spills in plating or chemical labs may contact caster wheels.
Wheel Material Compatibility Summary
Best Suited Materials (A/B Ratings): Polyolefin (A) resists oxidizing solutions. Phenolic and Nylon (B) offer moderate resistance.
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 due to oxidizing nature. | D |
| Elastomer | Degrades under strong oxidizers. | D |
| Forged Steel | Prone to corrosion from dichromate. | D |
| Neoprene/Nylon Glass Core | Neoprene degrades; nylon resists moderately. | B |
| Nylon | Moderate resistance; minor degradation possible. | B |
| Nylon Glass Filled | Slightly better than nylon; still vulnerable. | B |
| Phenolic | Resistant to oxidizers; moderate performance. | B |
| Polyolefin | Excellent 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 oxidizer exposure. | D |
| Solid Elastomer | Degrades in oxidizing conditions. | D |
| Thermoplastic Rubber | Poor resistance to oxidizers; degrades. | D |
| Urethane | Degrades under oxidizer exposure. | D |
| V-Grooved Iron | Corrodes due to oxidizing nature. | D |
Conclusion
Potassium dichromate’s oxidizing nature makes Polyolefin wheels (A rating) the best choice. Avoid metals (Ductile Cast Iron, Forged Steel) and elastomers (Rubber, Urethane) due to corrosion and degradation. For assistance, contact CasterTech.