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.
Trichloroacetic Acid
CCl₃COOH
Trichloroacetic Acid Caster Compatibility
Chemical Overview
Molecular Formula: C₂HCl₃O₂
Physical Properties: Trichloroacetic acid is a colorless to white crystalline solid, highly soluble in water (100 g/100 mL at 20°C), with a pH <1 in solution. It has a melting point of 57-58°C and a density of 1.63 g/cm³. It is a strong organic acid and corrosive. (Source: PubChem)
Industrial Applications
Trichloroacetic acid is used in:
- Chemical Analysis: In protein precipitation and biochemical assays.
- Medical: In dermatology for chemical peels.
- Organic Synthesis: As a reagent in chemical production.
- Exposure Scenarios: Spills in labs or medical facilities may contact caster wheels.
Wheel Material Compatibility Summary
Best Suited Materials (A/B Ratings): Polyolefin (A) resists strong acids. Phenolic (B) offers 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 rapidly in strong acids. | D |
| Elastomer | Degrades in strong acids. | D |
| Forged Steel | Corrodes in acidic conditions. | D |
| Neoprene/Nylon Glass Core | Neoprene degrades; nylon degrades in strong acids. | D |
| Nylon | Degrades in strong acids. | D |
| Nylon Glass Filled | Similar to nylon; poor resistance. | D |
| Phenolic | Moderate resistance to strong acids. | B |
| Polyolefin | Excellent resistance; unaffected. | A |
| Polyurethane on Aluminum Core | Polyurethane degrades; aluminum corrodes. | D |
| Polyurethane on Iron Core | Polyurethane degrades; iron corrodes. | D |
| Rubber | Rapid degradation in strong acids. | D |
| Solid Elastomer | Degrades in strong acids. | D |
| Thermoplastic Rubber | Poor resistance to acids; degrades. | D |
| Urethane | Degrades under acidic exposure. | D |
| V-Grooved Iron | Corrodes rapidly in acidic conditions. | D |
Conclusion
Trichloroacetic acid’s strong acidity makes Polyolefin wheels (A rating) the best choice. Avoid metals (Ductile Cast Iron, Forged Steel) and elastomers (Rubber, Urethane) due to corrosion and degradation (D ratings). For assistance, contact CasterTech.