Resistance of thermoplastics to various chemicals is dependent on:

• Time (of contact with the chemical)

• Temperature

• Stress (molded-in stress and any external stress to which the application is subjected)

• Concentration (of the chemical)

Chemical exposure may result in:

• Physical degradation - stress cracking, crazing, softening, swelling, discoloration

• Chemical attack - reaction of chemical with polymer and loss of properties of the thermoplastics