Plastics in offshore and marine environments
We often work with customers in the offshore and marine industries who need materials that can withstand the tough conditions in saltwater and with UV exposure. A common question we get is: which plastics are best suited for these environments?
There are several plastics that are particularly well-suited for use in offshore and marine environments. One of them is PE-UHMW, which is an extremely tough and wear-resistant plastic that can withstand the high forces that occur in these environments.
Saltwater resistance
When it comes to saltwater resistance, it is important to choose a material that can withstand the corrosive effect of saltwater. PE-UHMW is an excellent choice in this regard, as it is highly resistant to saltwater and other corrosive media. Another plastic that is common in offshore and marine environments is PA, which also has good saltwater resistance.
But what are the major challenges when it comes to saltwater resistance? One of them is that the materials must be able to withstand constant exposure to saltwater without breaking down or corroding. This is where PE-UHMW and PA come into play, as they both have a long lifespan and can withstand the tough conditions in offshore and marine environments.
UV exposure
Another challenge in offshore and marine environments is UV exposure. The sun's rays can cause materials to break down and lose their strength and elasticity. This is where the plastic PVDF comes into play, as it has extremely good UV resistance and can withstand the high UV radiation in these environments.
But how can you choose the right material for your offshore or marine application? A good question to ask yourself is: what are the specific requirements for my application? Do I need a material that can withstand high forces, or a material that can withstand UV exposure? By asking yourself these questions, you can choose the right material for your specific application.
Applications
There are many different applications for plastics in offshore and marine environments. A common application is fender pads, which are placed on ships and boats to protect them from damage when they are docked or moored. PE-UHMW is a common material for fender pads, as it is very tough and wear-resistant.
Another common application is bearing bushes, which are placed on axles and other rotating parts to reduce friction and withstand wear. PA and PVDF are both common materials for bearing bushes in offshore and marine environments.
- Fender pads
- Bearing bushes
- Control components
- Control systems
It is also common for plastics to be used in pipe supports and other components that need to withstand the tough conditions in offshore and marine environments. PE-UHMW and PA are both common materials for these applications, as they both have a good combination of strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance.
Advantages over metals
But why choose plastics over metals in offshore and marine environments? One of the major advantages is that plastics are much less prone to corrosion than metals, which makes them a much better choice in corrosive environments. Plastics are also much lighter than metals, which makes them a much better choice for applications where weight is a critical factor.
Another advantage of plastics is that they are much more flexible than metals, which makes them a much better choice for applications where flexibility is a critical factor. Plastics are also much less prone to cracking or breaking than metals, which makes them a much better choice for applications where reliability is a critical factor.
But what is the major challenge when it comes to choosing materials in offshore and marine environments? One of them is to choose a material that can withstand the tough conditions in these environments, while also meeting the specific requirements for the application. This is where we at PlastShop can help, by providing a wide range of plastics that can withstand the tough conditions in offshore and marine environments.
If you have questions about which plastics are best suited for your specific application, contact us at PlastShop. We have extensive experience working with customers in the offshore and marine industries, and we can help you choose the right material for your application. Read more about our material selection and contact us for more information.
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