Celanese AMCEL® KP20
High-Performance Acetal (POM) Copolymer
A medium-viscosity, general-purpose grade for injection molding, engineered for a balanced profile of mechanical properties, processability, and dimensional stability.
Product Overview
Celanese AMCEL® KP20 is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic from the polyoxymethylene (POM) family, classified as an acetal copolymer (POM-C). Supplied as prime quality pellets, it is a key product within the extensive acetal portfolio of Celanese Corporation, alongside the Celcon® and Hostaform® brands.
As a copolymer, AMCEL® KP20 features stable carbon-carbon (C-C) bonds within its molecular chain. These bonds act as "zipper-stoppers," halting thermal degradation and providing superior resistance to heat, hot water, and strong alkaline environments compared to acetal homopolymers (POM-H).
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Download the complete technical datasheet for detailed specifications.
Comprehensive Material Properties
Note: To provide a complete engineering profile, this data is supplemented with values from Celcon® M90, a chemically and rheologically analogous Celanese acetal copolymer, where specific KP20 data is not consistently published.
Physical & Rheological
- Density: 1410 kg/m³ (1.41 g/cm³)
- Melt Mass-Flow Rate (MFR): 9.0 g/10 min (190°C/2.16 kg)
- Melt Volume-Flow Rate (MVR): 8.0 cm³/10min (190°C/2.16 kg)
Dimensional Stability
- Water Absorption (Sat.): ~0.75%
- Mold Shrinkage (Flow): ~2.0%
- Mold Shrinkage (Transverse): ~1.9%
Electrical Properties
- Volume Resistivity: > 1x10¹² Ω·m
- Surface Resistivity: 1x10¹⁴ to 1x10¹⁶ Ω
- Dielectric Strength: ~35 kV/mm
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Metric Value | Imperial Value |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Modulus | 2600 MPa | 377,000 psi |
| Tensile Stress @ Yield | 64.0 MPa | 9280 psi |
| Flexural Modulus (23°C) | 2450 MPa | 355,000 psi |
| Charpy Notched Impact | 5.8 kJ/m² | 2.8 ft·lb/in² |
Thermal Properties
| Property | Metric Value | Imperial Value |
|---|---|---|
| Melting Temperature | 166°C | 331°F |
| Deflection Temp. (DTUL) | 100°C (at 1.80 MPa) | 212°F (at 264 psi) |
Processing & Fabrication Guidelines
Recommended Injection Molding Parameters
| Parameter | Recommended Value (Metric) | Recommended Value (Imperial) |
|---|---|---|
| Melt Temperature | 185°C - 195°C | 365°F - 383°F |
| Mold Surface Temperature | 80°C - 90°C | 176°F - 194°F |
| Back Pressure | ~0.35 MPa | ~50 psi |
| Injection Speed | Medium to High | |
Pre-Processing
Drying is generally not required. If surface moisture is present, pre-dry for 3 hours at 80°C (180°F).
Equipment
A high-compression-ratio screw (3:1 to 4:1) is strongly recommended to ensure a uniform, homogenous melt and prevent defects.
Performance Characteristics
Excellent Chemical Resistance
Outstanding resistance to organic solvents, fuels, oils, and strong bases (pH 4 to 14). A preferred material for components in aggressive environments.
Vulnerabilities:
- Strong acids (HCl, H₂SO₄)
- Strong oxidizing agents
- Certain halogenated compounds
Environmental & UV Resistance
Standard, natural-colored AMCEL® KP20 is not recommended for long-term, direct UV exposure. Prolonged sunlight can cause embrittlement and color shift.
For outdoor applications, Celanese offers a portfolio of specialized UV-stabilized and weather-resistant POM grades.
Applications & Industry Use-Cases
The unique combination of stiffness, dimensional stability, natural lubricity, and high resistance makes AMCEL® KP20 ideal for replacing metal components, leading to weight reduction, noise dampening, and lower system costs.
Automotive
Gears, fuel system components, door locks, seat belt parts, clips.
Industrial
Rollers, bearings, conveyor links, valves, pump impellers, plumbing.
Consumer Goods
Appliance parts, toys, power tool housings, personal care devices.
Electronics
Insulators, connectors, coil bobbins, switches.
Health & Safety Information
Critical Safety Warning: Material Incompatibility
NEVER mix AMCEL® POM with Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or other halogenated polymers. Contamination can cause a violent, runaway chemical reaction, generating massive gas pressure and forcibly ejecting molten material and toxic fumes from processing equipment. This presents an extreme risk of severe injury.
Always control processing temperatures below the 238°C (460°F) maximum and ensure adequate ventilation to manage formaldehyde gas released during overheating.
Disclaimer
The information and data presented here are based on laboratory testing and represent typical values. They are not intended for use in establishing specification limits. The properties of final molded parts can be influenced by many factors including material selection, additives, part design, and processing conditions. The suitability of this material for any specific use is the sole responsibility of the user.