SCOTT Foster from Dotmar has written about the suitability of engineering thermoplastics to replace metals in facilities, plants and structures.
According to the company, thermoplastics have the advantage of lower cost, lighter weight and greater durability than metal in many applications. This can reduce installation and maintenance costs.
Thermoplastics can be used for mechanical, structural and chemical applications. Polypropylene PP is an example of a thermoplastic with a non-polar structure, resulting in high molecular mass. It is highly resistant to chemicals and to aqueous solutions of salts, acids and alkalis.
The added capacity to repel water means the material can be used in food or corrosive storage vessels, cooling or scrubbing towers, pump bodies and components, wall cladding, pipe flanges and for chemical storage.
The plastics are also said to have high mechanical strength, impact resistance and scratch resistance.

Leave a comment