GunTech,
Since you are a chemist, perhaps another thread would be beneficial in regard to chemicals, and various "Polymer" guns.
Various Polymers and "Plastics" are used in firearms, besides frames, we have magazine plugs in shotguns, sights, stocks/grips, and the like.
Halogens, Chlorinated, Non-Chlorinated, Long/Short Hydrocarbons and other "chemicals" are used in Gun cleaning solvents and lubes.
Now while a Polymer may indeed be as strong as steel, outside influences can and will stress and weaken materials.
For Instance:Apply heat to a Steel Gun/steel gun part and the temper is gone.
So the use of many of today's firearm related product with certain chemicals, may expedite the weakening of a Polymer gun/part.
Many Chemicals such as solvent and lubes are actually Re-Packaged Automotive products.
Smith and Wesson's New line of Products are listed under the web site of Radiator Specialty, which many will recognize as Gunk, the Automotive Folks.
One popular lube, with marketing reminding folks of how many Service Persons are "being killed by CLP", started out as a Chain Saw Lube, just it sells for a lot more money per ounce as a "Gun Lube".
Best example of "Breaking down too fast" I can think of is Automotive tires.
These come with Carbon Tet ( I believe I got that correct) which keep the rubber live, and is released in driving due to heat and flex.
Soap and Water, removes dirt, mud and all, and this Tire lasts a long time.
Fancy Chemicals to make then Shine...breaks down rubber, draws out the Carbon Tet, and before one knows it, there are "dry rot" cracks all around that tire, with few miles on it.
Left alone, using soap and water, the tire lasts.
Messing with chemicals lessens the life of the tire.
Now back to the Original Thread.