On May 15, 2020, Polyplastics Group announced the launch of a new DURACON (R) polyoxymethylene (POM) to provide better diesel flame resistance for the production of injection molded automotive fuel system components. This new material is an important addition to Polyplastics' flagship DURACON (R) POM combination, which is widely used in automotive fuel system components due to its excellent mechanical properties, heat resistance, flame resistance, and excellent moldability.
The newly launched new grade DURACON (R) H140DR provides better performance than competitive materials and is launched for the global market. Polyplastics said that although the drive system may be electrified, the diesel engine is expected to be used in some commercial vehicles. Poor quality diesel contains high concentrations of acids and sulfur, which can adversely affect polyoxymethylene.
The fuel containing high concentration of sulfur acts on the main polymer chain to promote the decomposition of polyoxymethylene. Tests have shown that when POM is immersed in a high-concentration sulfur test diesel at high temperature, the weight percentage will change (decomposition rate). DURACON (R) H140DR has superior flame resistance compared with competitors' improved diesel flame retardant POM and standard materials.
DURACON (R) H140DR has a melt flow rate (MFR) higher than the standard grade M90-44 and has good formability. It has a higher density and a smaller crystal size, so it has higher crystallinity than the standard grade M90-44.
The new grade has the same level of creep rupture properties as competing materials and seems to have sufficient long-term mechanical properties. Environmental stress fracture tests show that DURACON (R) H140DR is resistant to external elements such as acid rain and various acidic solvents used in automobiles.