1.4 Resistance to chemical agents

The tables in Chapter 10 describe the resistance of the plastic materials used for ELESA products, at an ambient temperature of 23°C, in the presence of the various chemical agents they may come into contact with, in an industrial environment (acids, bases, solvents, lubricants, fuels, and aqueous solutions) and indicate 3 classes of resistance:

• good resistance = the product functional and aesthetic properties remain unchanged;
• fair resistance = effects on the functional and/or aesthetic properties, depending on the type of product and the working conditions with some limitations of use according to the specific application;
• poor resistance = product susceptible to chemical aggression. Not recommended for use.

As a general rule, chemical resistance decreases as the working temperature and mechanical stresses, to which the product is subjected, increase. The presence of high temperatures and high levels of mechanical stress together require to the product resistance to chemical agents be tested.