Technically Speaking | 2 MAY 2025
Chemical Exposure and Resistance in Plastic Materials
Tech Tips from Our Engineers at Bamberger Amco Polymers
Understanding how plastics interact with chemicals is crucial to avoiding part failure and ensuring long-term durability. One of the most common causes of plastic part degradation is chemical exposure, which can lead to softening, embrittlement, or cracking of the polymer.
Whether you're designing for automotive, medical, consumer, or industrial applications, considering chemical resistance during the material selection and product design stages can help prevent costly failures down the line.
Why Chemical Resistance Matters in Plastics
Chemical compatibility plays a vital role in product performance, especially when parts are exposed to cleaning agents, fuels, disinfectants, lubricants, or harsh industrial solvents. Selecting the right chemical-resistant plastic resin ensures structural integrity, dimensional stability, and part reliability.
Key Factors That Influence Chemical Compatibility
Different conditions and part environments will impact how your polymer behaves when exposed to chemicals. The following variables should always be considered:
- Exposure Time – Longer durations often increase the severity of degradation.
- Operating Temperature – Elevated heat can accelerate chemical attack.
- UV Exposure – UV radiation can break down polymer chains, increasing chemical susceptibility.
- External Loads and Stresses – Stress cracking may occur in chemically exposed, load-bearing parts.
- Processing and Molded-in Stress – Poor processing conditions can make plastics more prone to failure.
- Material Crystallinity (Amorphous vs. Crystalline)
- Material Additives and Loading Level - Flame retardants, plasticizers, and glass fibers can all impact chemical resistance.
- Concentrations of Chemicals or Solvents - Higher concentrations often intensify material degradation.
Common Negative Reactions from Chemical Exposure
Softening of polymers, resulting in a loss of tensile strength and other physical properties.
Cracking and/or crazing can make your part's surface appear foggy or white, with small fractures throughout. Elongation of the material can make it more brittle.
Common Types of Chemicals
Why Chemical Resistance Testing Is Critical
Even if data sheets suggest compatibility, real-world testing is essential. Always evaluate materials under actual or simulated conditions that reflect the intended use. This includes chemical concentrations, temperature, mechanical loads, and exposure duration.
Design for Durability
When choosing a plastic material for chemical exposure, there is no one-size-fits-all. Our technical team can help you:
- Compare chemical resistance charts
- Recommend materials based on your specific application
- Provide testing guidance and sample evaluations
- Avoid common pitfalls related to chemical compatibility
Need help selecting a chemical-resistant polymer?
Contact our technical experts today to review your application needs.
Technically Speaking: Tips & Material Insights
Technically Speaking is a content series empowering product designers, molders, and processors with practical knowledge and real-world insights. These tips are drawn from decades of experience in materials science and application development to help you solve problems faster and smarter. Bamberger Amco Polymers, a leading provider of technical polymer solutions. With a diverse portfolio and one of the most knowledgeable tech teams in the industry, we help our customers overcome challenges and bring better products to market.
If you’re unsure which material meets your product requirements, our technical team can help guide you through material selection and regulatory compliance.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is intended solely for general guidance. Outcomes vary based on individual circumstances, and Bamberger Amco Polymers “BAP", "BA Polymers” does not ensure a specific result. Clients shall use their own independent skills and expertise when testing any application of technical support. Bamberger Amco Polymers is not responsible and will not be liable for any discrepancies between expected and actual outcomes. Bamberger Amco Polymers DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS OF A PRODUCT FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
