Solutions for chemical-resistant seams

Chemical exposure can cause swelling, embrittlement, strength loss, surface damage or premature failure in conventional sewing threads. The correct raw material must therefore be selected according to the specific acids, bases, solvents, temperatures, concentrations and exposure times involved.

There is no universal chemical-resistant thread. Polypropylene, PEEK and ePTFE each provide different resistance profiles. Mechanical wear, temperature and seam load must be assessed together with chemical compatibility.

A material that performs well against one chemical may be unsuitable for another. Concentration, temperature and exposure duration can change the result significantly. For this reason, the thread and finished seam must be validated under realistic process conditions.

• Chemical medium: Identify the exact acids, bases, solvents, cleaning agents or process chemicals involved.
• Temperature: Chemical resistance can change as temperature increases; thermal requirements must be evaluated at the same time.
• Exposure type: Continuous immersion, intermittent splashes, vapour exposure and cleaning cycles create different loads.
• Mechanical stress: Filtration and technical products may also require high abrasion resistance and flex durability.
• Product validation: Laboratory compatibility data should be supplemented by application-specific seam testing.

• Industrial filtration
• Chemical protective textiles
• Process textiles
• High-temperature filtration
• Technical covers and barriers
• Products exposed to acids, bases or aggressive cleaning media

Important technical note

Chemical compatibility must be assessed for the exact medium, concentration, temperature and exposure time. Application testing is essential.