Under industrial conditions in 2026, the durability of conveyor belts, drive belts, and protective coatings is determined not only by mechanical strength but also by the material's environmental inertness. Incorrect polymer selection leads to structural degradation within a few weeks: the material hardens, cracks, or, conversely, turns into a viscous mass.
For engineers in the food and heavy industries, understanding the chemical compatibility of elastomers is a way to avoid unscheduled downtime and product contamination from polymer degradation products. Belting Rezina, drawing on 20 years of supply experience, has developed a unified database on the resistance of key materials to industrial reagents.
Oils and fats: the physics of swelling and leaching of plasticizers
Exposure to fats is the most common wear factor in the food and mechanical engineering industries. The polymer's reaction to oil depends on its polarity and the presence of soluble components.
Mechanics of degradation:
- Swelling: Oil molecules penetrate the free spaces between polymer chains. This leads to an increase in the material's volume, a loss of strength, and "waviness" in the tape.
- Leaching of plasticizers: In the case of PVC, oil can leach out the additives that provide flexibility. This causes the belt to become brittle and break on small-diameter reels.
Inert materials: Polyurethane (PU) and nitrile rubber (NBR) are highly polar, making them virtually impervious to mineral and vegetable oils. However, general-purpose natural rubber (NR) and SBR rubber deteriorate within days in an oily environment.
Acid-base balance: pH limits for different environments
Chemical attack on a polymer often manifests itself in the form of hydrolysis (the cleavage of bonds by water in the presence of acids or alkalis). Knowing the permissible pH limits is essential for selecting components for a cleaning or chemical synthesis line.
Technical Focus: Material Compatibility Matrix Summary
Below is a reference table of compatibility of materials presented in the Belting Rezina catalogue with the main groups of reagents.
Chemical resistance matrix
Legend:
- A - Excellent durability (no changes).
- B - Good durability (minor changes in properties).
- C - Unsatisfactory (rapid destruction).
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which belt should I choose for transporting mayonnaise or sauces?
Mayonnaise contains fats and is acidic. The optimal choice is PVC tape (oil-resistant series) or modular acetal (POM) tape. Standard polyurethane may begin to delaminate due to hydrolysis.
2. Why did the rubber belt at the quarry become sticky and soft?
This is a clear sign of contact with fuels and lubricants (diesel fuel, hydraulic oil). General-purpose rubber (SBR) actively absorbs petroleum products. Replacement with an MS-class (oil-resistant) belt is required.
3. Can polyurethane belts be used to pump alcohol-containing liquids?
Polyurethane has moderate resistance to alcohols. It may swell with repeated contact. PVC materials demonstrate better stability in this regard.
4. How does chlorine affect the tapes during disinfection?
Chlorine is a strong oxidizer. It quickly destroys NBR and PU. For areas requiring intensive disinfection, PVC or special grades of silicone are better suited.
Engineering precision in material selection ensures your conveyor system will operate for its intended lifespan, even under the most challenging conditions. Understanding the chemical nature of polymers not only saves money on procurement but also ensures process safety.
Belting Rezina offers a full range of components with specified chemical resistance characteristics:
- Direct supplies of materials from trusted global factories;
- Engineering audit of the operating environment;
- Our own database of compatibility of thousands of reagents.
Submit a request or receive expert advice on selecting materials for your aggressive environment right now!