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Chemical Resistance Chart


- Common Materials -


(This information is intended to be used as a guideline only. Actual results depend upon end-use environment and other factors beyond our control.)

Material         

Properties

Chemical Resistance

Max.Temp.

ABS

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

Stable over a wide range of temperatures. Especially good in cold environments. High impact strength and ductility. Good chemical resistance and rigidity

Mostly resistant to solutions of salts, inorganic acids, food acids and alkalines.

Not resistant to solvents, aromatics and some chlorinated hydrocarbons.

180 °F

CPVC

Post-chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride

Excellent chemical resistance, good mechanical strength and rigidity, high heat resistance, excellent flammability properties (self-extinguishing), low thermal conductivity, and good abrasion resistance.

Resistant to many acids, bases, salts, paraffinic hydrocarbons, halogens and alcohols. Not resistant to solvents, aromatics and some chlorinated hydrocarbons.

210 °F

ECTFE

Ethylenchlortri-

fluoretylene

Excellent mechanical and chemical resistance, fire retardant, wide operating temperature range, very good weathering resistance.

Resistant to most acids, alkalis, salts, halogens, alcohols and chlorinated hydrocarbons, especially good with caustics and chlorine solutions.

300 °F

NYLON 6

Outstanding wear resistance. High strength, toughness and chemical resistance.

Excellent resistance to organic solvents and weak alkalis. Good resistance to weak acids, alcohols, hydrocarbons and fuels. But attacked by strong acids and UV radiation.

230 °F

NYLON 12

Resistant to chemicals, friction, and abrasion. Impressive mechanical and electrical properties. Less moisture absorption than Nylon 6.

Similar chemical resistance as Nylon 6, but less resistant to alcohols.

190 °F

 

PC

Polycarbonate

Excellent combination of toughness, transparency, heat and flame resistance and dimensional stability. Good electrical insulating properties and wide operating temperature range.

Generally unaffected by greases, oils and acids. Not resistant to solvents, esters and ketones, which can cause cracking. Continuous exposure to hot water causes embrittlement.

275 °F

PEEK

Polyetheretherketone

Very high operating temperatures, high rigidity and hardness, strength and thermostability. Very good chemical resistance, good dielectric characteristics, self-extinguishing and resistant to radiation.

Very good resistance to most solutions. Not resistant to concentrated sulphuric acid, fuming nitric acid and some halogen  hydrocarbons.

500 °F

PEI

Polyetherimide

High strength, dimensional stability and creep resistance. Excellent chemical resistance, good resistance to hydrolysis and radiation, self-extinguishing.

Widely resistant to a broad range of acids, alkalis, salts, halogens, alcohols and chlorinated hydrocarbons. Can be attacked by partially halogenated solvents, strong bases and aromatic hydrocarbons.

340 °F

PES

Polyethersulfone

High strength, rigidity and hardness over a wide temperature range, withstanding prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures. Good electrical properties and chemical resistance.

Widely resistant to most acids, alkalis, salts, halogens, alcohols and chlorinated hydrocarbons. Not resistant to polar solvents.

390 °F

PET

Polyethylene-

terephthalate

Hard, rigid and tough, with good abrasion resistance and low coefficient of  friction, dimensionally stable, good electrical and weatherability properties.

Good resistance to oil, greases, fuels, non-polar and weak polar solvents. Not resistant against hot water, concentrated acids, caustic solutions and common polar solvents.

212 °F

PMMA

Polymethyl Methacrylate

(Acrylic)

Strong, stable, weather resistant and thermo-formable, high levels of hardness and scratch resistance. Suitable for a wide temperature range and extended exposure to UV light without discoloring or deteriorating.

Generally good with many chemicals, but not resistant to alcohols, benzene, acetone, strong acids, solvents and chlorinated hydrocarbons.

203 °F

Polyethylene

Tough, excellent chemical resistance and lightweight, very low moisture absorption, excellent flexibility and good strength in cold temperatures.

Good resistance to acids and caustic substances. Resistant to organic and inorganic solvents at a wide range of environments. Not resistant to strong oxidizing acids.

150 °F

Polypropylene

Has excellent chemical resistance, high heat resistance and good mechanical strength. Lightweight, good insulating properties, excellent dielectric strength but poor UV resistance and low impact strength at freezing temperatures.

Very good resistance to chemicals and solvents. Good with aqueous, salts, acids or alkaline solutions. Can be attacked by halogens, some acids and oxidizing agents, and by aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons at high temperatures.

212 °F

PS

Polystyrene

Rigid, hard and stable, with extremely good surface finish. Generally low temperature range compared to other materials, UV resistance low, good chemical resistance.

Soluble in most solvents, but resistant to alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, normal heptanes and acetone. Most foods, drinks and household fluids have no effect, but attacked by gas, turpentine and thinners.

160 °F

PSU

Polysulfone

Good heat resistance, very high stability, self- extinguishing, good impact strength. Very good electrical properties, resistance to hydrolysis and microwave permeable  Poor weathering resistance.

Can be used with a wide range of acids, alkalis, salts, halogens, alcohols and chlorinated hydrocarbons. Not resistant to polar solvents.

302 °F

PVC - Rigid

Unplasticized  Polyvinyl Chloride

Excellent chemical resistance and dielectric properties, good tensile, flexural and mechanical strength, low moisture absorption, excellent dimensional stability and good flammability characteristics.

Resistant to most solutions of acids, alkalis, salts and organic  compounds miscible with water. Not resistant to solvents, aromatics and some chlorinated hydrocarbons. Not  recommended for compressed air or gases.

140 °F

PVDF

Polyvinylidene

Outstanding mechanical, physical and chemical properties, very wide operating temperature range, high impact strength and thermal stability, excellent abrasion resistance, self-extinguishing.

Resistant to most acids, alkalis, salts, halogens, alcohols and chlorinated hydro fluoride carbons. Strong polarized solvents, such as ketones and esters, can cause the material to swell.

285 °F

PTFE

Polytetrafluoroethylene

Outstanding chemical resistance, lowest dielectric constant and lowest coefficient of friction of almost any solid material. Very wide operating temperature range.

Virtually inert to most chemicals and solvents.

500 °F

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