POM is a thermoplastic polymer that belongs to the family of polyacetals. It is produced by the polymerization of formaldehyde, which leads to the formation of long chains of repeating units of (-CH2O-)n. The resulting polymer has a linear structure with a high degree of crystallinity, which gives it excellent mechanical properties.
Properties of POM
POM is a high-performance material with several properties that make it suitable for various applications. Some of the key properties of POM include:
- High mechanical strength and stiffness
- Low coefficient of friction
- High dimensional stability
- Excellent fatigue resistance
- Good chemical resistance
- Low water absorption
- Good electrical insulation properties
- High resistance to creep
Applications of POM
POM is used in various industrial applications due to its unique properties. Some of the common applications of POM include:
- Automotive industry – POM is used in the production of gears, bearings, and other parts in the automotive industry due to its high strength and low friction properties.
- Electrical industry – POM is used in electrical connectors, switches, and other components due to its excellent electrical insulation properties.
- Consumer goods – POM is used in the production of zippers, buckles, and other fasteners in the fashion and consumer goods industry due to its high mechanical strength and low friction properties.
- Medical industry – POM is used in the production of surgical instruments, implantable devices, and other medical equipment due to its biocompatibility and high dimensional stability.
Advantages of POM
POM has several advantages that make it a preferred material for various applications. Some of the advantages of POM include:
- High mechanical strength and stiffness
- Low coefficient of friction
- High dimensional stability
- Good chemical resistance
- Excellent fatigue resistance
- Good electrical insulation properties
- High resistance to creep
- Biocompatibility
- Easy to machine and process
Polyoxymethylene (POM) is a high-performance thermoplastic material that offers excellent mechanical properties, a low coefficient of friction, and high dimensional stability. It is used in various industrial applications, including automotive, electrical, consumer goods, and medical industries. POM has several advantages that make it a preferred material for various applications, including high mechanical strength and stiffness, biocompatibility, and ease of processing.
