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Excellent sliding properties, toughness and fatigue properties
Polyacetal Resin

Overview and Features

What is TENAC™?

TENAC™/TENAC™-C is Asahi Kasei's family of polyacetal (POM) resins. 

POM stands for polyoxymethylene, the chemical name, but these materials are typically known as polyacetal resins. POM resins are engineering plastics featuring excellent sliding properties (friction and wear characteristics), toughness, and fatigue behavior. POM resins are crystalline thermoplastic resins. 

POM resins come in two varieties: homopolymers((−CH2O−)n)consisting solely of chains of formaldehyde monomers, and copolymers((−CH2O−/−CH2CH2O−)n)containing oxyethylene units formed from trioxane.

In the polyacetal business field, Asahi Kasei is the world's only manufacturer* of both homopolymers (TENAC™) and copolymers (TENAC™ -C) with our own proprietary technology. 

*Source: Sales volume from Fuji Keizai, "Future outlook for and global strategies in engineering plastic markets 2025".

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Key Features of TENAC™

TENAC™/TENAC™-C are Asahi Kasei's polyacetal (POM) resins. These resins are classified as engineering plastics featuring excellent heat resistance and mechanical strength. 

プラスチックの分類とPOM樹脂テナック™の位置付け

TENAC™/TENAC™-C polyacetal (POM) resins are crystalline thermoplastics. 
These resins come in two varieties—homopolymer (TENAC™) and copolymer (TENAC™-C)—and feature the following properties. 

Homopolymers (TENAC™) and copolymers (TENAC™ -C) 

Sliding properties

TENAC™/TENAC™-C polyacetal (POM) resins have good sliding properties due to their self-lubricating nature, and also feature excellent wear and friction resistance.
For these reasons, TENAC™/TENAC™-C resins are ideal materials for moving parts. 

Comparison of friction coefficient and wear amount of each engineering plastic (non-reinforced)
Comparison of friction coefficient and wear amount of each engineering plastic (non-reinforced)

Fatigue behavior

TENAC™/TENAC™-C polyacetal (POM) resins offer the greatest room-temperature durability of all non-reinforced engineering plastics.
This property derives from the high molecular density of POM resins, in which molecules are closely packed together to yield high structural strength. 

For these reasons, TENAC™/TENAC™-C resins are ideal materials for components subjected to long-term loading or repeated loading. 

Durability comparison of each engineering plastic (non-reinforced) at room temperature
Durability comparison of each engineering plastic (non-reinforced) at room temperature

Creep resistance 

TENAC™/TENAC™-C polyacetal (POM) resins feature excellent creep resistance. 
Creep is a phenomenon in which a plastic component, continuously subjected to a constant load, deforms progressively with the passage of time. 

TENAC™ exhibits minimal deformation under loading, thus avoiding various problems caused by material creep. 

Comparison of creep resistance of each engineering plastic (non-reinforced)
Comparison of creep resistance of each engineering plastic (non-reinforced)

Resistance to oil and organic solvents 

TENAC™/TENAC™-C polyacetal (POM) resins feature excellent resistance to oils and organic solvents. 

POM樹脂テナック™とテナック™-Cの耐油性・耐有機溶剤性
oil resistance and organic solvent resistance of POM resin TENAC™ / TENAC™ -C

Reasons for choosing TENAC ™

01

Asahi Kasei manufactures an extensive lineup of material grades for both homopolymer and copolymer resins 

We are the world's only manufacturer producing both homopolymer (TENAC™) and copolymer (TENAC™-C) POM resins using our own proprietary technology. 
We offer an extensive lineup of material grades to meet the needs of our customers.  

*Source: Sales volume from Fuji Keizai, "Future outlook for and global strategies in engineering plastic markets 2025".

POM樹脂テナック™・テナック™-Cにおける原料から樹脂までの製造フロー
Manufacturing flow of POM resin TENAC™ / TENAC™ -C from raw materials to resin
02

Technical support

With offices in many countries around the world, Asahi Kasei supports our customers on a global basis.
Moreover, our “resin CAE technology” service—Asahi Kasei's in-house design-simulation expertise—is available to support customers in the product design and development stages. 

→ Click here for details on Asahi Kasei's technical support 

technicalsupport

Grade Introduction

Asahi Kasei is proud to offer an extensive lineup of both homopolymer (TENAC™) and copolymer (TENAC™-C) grades with varying viscosities. 

More specifically, for both homopolymer and copolymer resins we offer the following grade categories: standard grades, low-VOC grades, high-cycle grades, weather-resistant grades, filler-reinforced grades, and sliding grades. For homopolymer resins we additionally offer high-durability grades and soft grades. For copolymer grades we additionally offer HC grades—which combine the mechanical strength of homopolymers with the chemical resistance of copolymers—as well as electrically-conducting grades and various other highly functional grades. 

Click the entries in the table below for detailed information on each material grade—or click the buttons to see the features of each product series. 

Asahi Kasei's offerings in the TENAC™ family also include metallic-colored grades and grades designed for use as binder resins in powder injection molding. Please contact us to learn more about these options. 

grade-list

Application Proposal of TENAC™

TENAC™ Application Cases

Powder injection molding

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Powder Injection Molding (PIM) is a method of manufacturing small, high-precision metal and ceramic parts by injection molding metal or ceramic powder.
Specifically, metal or ceramic powder and binder are mixed and pelletized into feedstock, which is then injection molded.

https://www.asahi-kasei-plastics.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/img_pim.jpg

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Products

POM for catalytic debinding

9520,FF520  (pellet type)

FF52P  (powder type)

Binder for thermal debinding 

PT220  (pellet type)

Features

By using our product-based binders for mixing with metal or ceramic powders, we can offer the following advantages over existing feedstocks

  • Easy to compound and excellent thermal stability
  • Excellent formability
  • Improved yield due to reduced cracking and swelling after sintering
  • High strength

Conductive bearing

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Electrical contact parts and grounding parts. Substitution of metal by conductive resin.
The shape flexibility unique to resin eliminates secondary processing, leading to improved productivity and cost reductions.

https://www.asahi-kasei-plastics.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/bearing-e1658912658655.jpg

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Products

TFC77, TFC84, EF850

Features

  • Electrical conductivity (volume resistivity 100~101Ω・cm)
  • Sliding property  (TFC77)
  • Toughness (TFC84)
  • Good moldability  (EF850)

Infusion pump guide

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An infusion pump that pumps the required amount of drug solution stably over a long period of time and an auxiliary component that attaches to medical tubing.
The pumping part is in constant contact with the medical tubing and requires high friction and abrasion resistance.

https://www.asahi-kasei-plastics.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Infusion2.jpg

Products

Contact us for more information.

Features

  • Dimensional stability 
  • Durability
  • High sliding property

Gear for printer

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A part that transmits torque and rotational accuracy by rotating a gear with meshing teeth around a shaft.
Durability and sliding properties are required.

https://www.asahi-kasei-plastics.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/printergear.jpg

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Products

NS556, LX750, LZ750

Features

  • High stiffness
  • High durability
  • High sliding property
  • Low warpage
  • High precision

Product Data/Tips for Use *Handling Precautions

Precautions for handling TENAC™

The content of this document is based on currently available materials, information and data, and may be revised based on new findings. Please note that these are provided as information and are not guaranteed. Therefore, when using our products, please give full consideration to the usage environment, design, etc., and use them at your own risk after judging that there is no problem with the product.

1. Handling Precautions

Please read the separate "Material Safety Data Sheet" for handling precautions for TENAC™ before using TENAC™. The following points are the main points for handling TENAC™. Please use it for safe handling of TENAC™. Please investigate the safety and compatibility with TENAC™ ™ of pigments, additives, etc. that you use other than those specified by Asahi Kasei TENAC™.

(1) Safety and health precautions
The main component of the gas generated when TENAC™ is dried, melted, and decomposed is formaldehyde. Take care to avoid contact with eyes, skin, and inhalation. Also, avoid touching the high temperature resin directly. For each work such as drying and melting, it is necessary to install a local exhaust system and wear protective equipment (safety glasses, protective gloves, etc.).

(2) Precautions regarding combustion
TENAC™ is flammable and should be handled and stored away from heat and sources of ignition. If it burns, it may generate toxic gas. Water, foam, and dry powder can be used to extinguish the fire.

(3) Precautions for disposal
TENAC™ can be disposed of by landfill or incineration, but please entrust it to an authorized industrial waste disposal company or local government in accordance with the "Waste Disposal and Public Cleansing Act." In addition, when incinerating it yourself, please use incineration equipment and process in accordance with various laws and regulations such as the Air Pollution Control Act. When incinerated, toxic gas may be generated.

(4) Notes on storage
It is a combustible material (synthetic resins) designated by the Fire Service Act, and should be handled in accordance with municipal ordinances. (fire extinguishing equipment, indoor storage facilities, etc.)

(5) Notes on molding
Please pay attention to the following points to avoid decomposition of the resin.・Do not allow the resin to remain in the processing machine for a long time at high temperatures.・Do not mix extrusion with strong acids, oxidizing agents, or PVC. Pellets, etc. spilled on the floor may slip under your feet and cause a fall if left unattended, so please clean and remove them immediately.

2. Usage

  • ・Do not use TENAC™ for implantation into the body or for direct contact with body fluids or infusions. When using this product for other medical purposes, please be sure to contact our representative in advance.
  • ・When using TENAC™ in applications where it comes into direct contact with food, please select a grade that complies with the Polyhyeikyo PL (Positive List), Food Sanitation Law, and FDA. In that case, please be sure to contact our representative in advance.
  • ・When using TENAC™, be sure to evaluate the physical properties, durability etc. of the actual product in advance.

3. Others

Please be aware of industrial property rights, etc. when using this product.

Please contact us to ask any questions, discuss any concerns, and request samples.

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Asahi Asahi Kasei engineering plastics' contribution to achieving carbon neutrality
The Asahi Kasei Group is committed to contributing to the realization of a carbon neutrality, sustainable society.
We will introduce our efforts to achieve a circular economy in the engineering plastics business.
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Asahi Kasei Engineering Plastics Asahi Kasei introduces engineering plastics and functional resin products. We mainly handle polyacetal (POM) resins, polyamide (PA, nylon) resins, and modified polyphenylene ether (PPE) resins, and provide resin design reference information, case studies, industry trends, etc. Asahi Kasei Corporation Asahi Kasei Engineering Plastics