Polyoxymethylene (POM) offers high stiffness, low friction, and excellent dimensional stability, making it ideal for precision pump parts requiring wear resistance. Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) provides superior chemical resistance and thermal stability, suitable for pump components exposed to aggressive fluids and high temperatures.
Table of Comparison
Property | Polyoxymethylene (POM) | Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) |
---|---|---|
Mechanical Strength | High stiffness and hardness, ideal for precision pump parts | Good mechanical strength, superior at elevated temperatures |
Chemical Resistance | Good resistance to solvents, fuels, and alkalis | Excellent chemical resistance including acids, bases, and solvents |
Temperature Range | -40degC to 100degC continuous use | -40degC to 200degC continuous use, suitable for high-temp pumps |
Wear Resistance | Low friction, good wear resistance for moving parts | Very high wear resistance, ideal for aggressive pump environments |
Moisture Absorption | Low moisture absorption, maintains dimensional stability | Minimal moisture absorption, excellent dimensional stability |
Chemical Composition | Linear polymer with repeating -CH2-O- units | Thermoplastic with aromatic rings linked by sulfur atoms |
Typical Applications | Internal gears, valve components in pumps | High-temperature resistant pump housings and seals |
Cost | Moderate cost, widely available | Higher cost due to specialty applications |
Overview of Polyoxymethylene and Polyphenylene Sulfide
Polyoxymethylene (POM) is a high-strength, low-friction thermoplastic known for its excellent dimensional stability and chemical resistance, making it ideal for precision pump components. Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) exhibits superior thermal stability and resistance to harsh chemicals and high temperatures, providing enhanced durability in demanding pump applications. Both materials offer excellent mechanical properties, with POM suited for wear-resistant parts and PPS favored in environments requiring high-temperature performance.
Key Mechanical Properties Comparison
Polyoxymethylene (POM) exhibits high tensile strength (60-70 MPa) and excellent stiffness, making it ideal for pump components requiring dimensional stability and wear resistance. Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) offers superior thermal stability up to 200degC and outstanding chemical resistance, with moderate tensile strength around 50 MPa but greater impact resistance. Choosing between POM and PPS for pump parts depends on the operating temperature and chemical exposure, where POM excels in mechanical precision and PPS dominates in harsh environments.
Chemical Resistance in Pump Applications
Polyoxymethylene (POM) offers excellent chemical resistance to hydrocarbons, diluted acids, and alkalis, making it suitable for pump components exposed to mild chemicals. Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) outperforms POM in harsh chemical environments, exhibiting superior resistance to strong acids, bases, and aggressive solvents, ensuring longer durability in demanding pump applications. PPS's higher thermal stability and chemical inertness make it the preferred choice for pumps handling corrosive fluids or operating under elevated temperatures.
Thermal Stability and Temperature Performance
Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) exhibits superior thermal stability compared to polyoxymethylene (POM), maintaining structural integrity at continuous exposure temperatures up to 260degC, while POM typically withstands temperatures only up to 120degC. PPS resists thermal degradation and harsh chemical environments, making it ideal for pump parts operating under high-temperature conditions or thermal cycling. In contrast, POM offers excellent mechanical properties and dimensional stability at moderate temperatures but may deform or degrade under elevated heat, limiting its use in pumps requiring high-temperature durability.
Wear and Friction Characteristics
Polyoxymethylene (POM) exhibits excellent wear resistance and low friction coefficients, making it ideal for pump parts subjected to continuous mechanical stress. Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) offers superior chemical resistance and maintains dimensional stability at higher temperatures, but typically has slightly higher friction compared to POM. For pump components requiring minimal wear and smooth operation, POM is often preferred, while PPS is chosen when chemical exposure and thermal endurance are critical factors.
Dimensional Stability and Precision
Polyoxymethylene (POM) offers exceptional dimensional stability and high precision due to its low moisture absorption and excellent machinability, making it ideal for pump parts requiring tight tolerances. Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) provides superior thermal stability and chemical resistance, maintaining dimensional accuracy under elevated temperatures and aggressive environments often encountered in pump applications. Choosing between POM and PPS depends on operational conditions, with POM excelling in precision machining and PPS outperforming in high-temperature and chemically demanding settings.
Processability and Manufacturing Differences
Polyoxymethylene (POM) offers excellent processability with low melting temperature around 175degC, enabling efficient injection molding and machining for pump parts. Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) has a higher melting point near 280degC and requires more specialized high-temperature processing equipment, resulting in longer cycle times but superior chemical resistance. Manufacturing with POM is typically faster and less energy-intensive, while PPS provides enhanced dimensional stability and thermal performance for demanding pump applications.
Cost Analysis: POM vs PPS
Polyoxymethylene (POM) typically offers a lower upfront cost compared to Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS), making it a cost-effective option for pump parts in applications with moderate temperature and chemical resistance requirements. PPS, while more expensive, provides superior thermal stability, chemical resistance, and durability, which can reduce long-term maintenance and replacement costs in harsh or high-performance environments. Selecting between POM and PPS involves balancing initial material costs against lifespan and performance benefits, with PPS often justified for demanding pump applications despite its higher price point.
Typical Pump Part Applications for Each Material
Polyoxymethylene (POM) is commonly used in pump components such as gears, impellers, and bearings due to its high mechanical strength, excellent wear resistance, and low friction properties. Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) is favored for pump parts exposed to harsh chemicals and elevated temperatures, making it ideal for valve bodies, seals, and housings in aggressive fluid environments. The choice between POM and PPS depends on specific pump operating conditions, with POM suited for standard applications and PPS for demanding thermal and chemical resistance requirements.
Selecting the Best Material for Pump Performance
Polyoxymethylene (POM) offers excellent mechanical strength, low friction, and high dimensional stability, making it suitable for pump components requiring precision and wear resistance. Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) provides superior chemical resistance, thermal stability up to 260degC, and resistance to harsh environments, ideal for pumps exposed to aggressive fluids and elevated temperatures. Choosing between POM and PPS depends on the pump's operational conditions: POM excels in mechanical performance and low wear, while PPS is optimal for chemical durability and high-temperature resilience.

Infographic: Polyoxymethylene vs Polyphenylene sulfide for Pump part