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.
Salt Water
NaCl in H₂O
Salt Water Caster Compatibility
Chemical Overview
Molecular Formula: NaCl (primary component) in water
Physical Properties: Salt water is a solution of sodium chloride in water, typically 3.5% salinity (seawater). It has a density of ~1.025 g/cm³ at 25°C and is neutral in pH. It is corrosive to metals due to chloride ions. (Source: PubChem)
Industrial Applications
Salt water is used in:
- Marine Operations: In cooling systems and desalination plants.
- Food Processing: In brining and curing processes.
- Chemical Industry: In brine solutions for electrolysis.
- Exposure Scenarios: Spills or wet environments in marine or processing facilities may contact caster wheels.
Wheel Material Compatibility Summary
Best Suited Materials (A/B Ratings): Polyolefin, Nylon, and Phenolic (A) resist salt water corrosion.
Materials to Avoid (C/D Ratings): Avoid metals (Ductile Cast Iron, Forged Steel) due to corrosion risks in prolonged exposure.
Wheel Compatibility Table
| Wheel Material | Interaction Description | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Ductile Cast Iron | Corrodes in salt water due to chloride ions. | C |
| Elastomer | Resistant to saline; minimal impact. | A | Forged Steel | Prone to corrosion in saline environments. | C |
| Neoprene/Nylon Glass Core | Both neoprene and nylon resist corrosion. | A | Nylon | Excellent resistance to salt water. | A | Nylon Glass Filled | Similar to nylon; highly resistant. | A | Phenolic | Resistant to salt water; no degradation. | A |
| PPolyolefin | Excellent inertness; unaffected. | A | Polyurethane on Aluminum Core | Polyurethane resists; aluminum corrodes slightly. | C | PPolyurethane on Iron Core | Polyurethane resists; iron corrodes slightly. | C | RRubber | Resistant to salt water; minimal impact. | A | SSolid Elastomer | Resistant to salt corrosion. | A |
| TThermoplastic Rubber | Resistant to salt water. | A | UUrethane | Resistant to salt water; minimal impact. | A | VV-Grooved Iron | Corrosion likely due to salt water. | C |
Conclusion
Salt water is compatible with Polyolefin, Nylon, and Phenolic wheels (A ratings). Avoid metals like Ductile Cast Iron and Forged Steel (C ratings) due to corrosion risks. For assistance, contact CasterTech.