Chemical

Resistance of
Department Editor: Scott Jenkins Thermoplastics

C
orrosion is estimated to account for a
significant portion — 8–10% — of total
annual-plant-capital expenditures for the
chemical process industries. To avoid it, engi-
neers can consider corrosion-resistant plastics
for process piping and storage vessels. Ther-
moplastics are generally resistant to chemical
attack and thus suitable for many process ap-
plications. However, plastics must be selected
based on process specifics. When chemicals
affect plastics, it usually happens as: chemical
solvation or permeation, where physical prop-
erties may change, but the polymer molecular
structure is not chemically altered; and direct
chemical attack, where a chemical reaction
with the polymer occurs.
References
1. “Perry’s Chemical Engineers’ Handbook: 8th
ed.” McGraw Hill, New York, 2008.
2. Nibco Chemical Resistance Guide. Nibco Inc.
Elkhart, Ind. 2003.
3. Plastics Pipe Institute. Chemical Resistance of
Thermoplastics. Techincal Report 19. 2007.

Chemical resistance of selected commercial thermoplastics and elastomers

Name Notes Recommended Uses Uses to Avoid
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene Smooth inner surface and resis- •Commercial sanitary systems Oxidizing acids
styrene) tance to deposit formation •Weak acids
Resistant to a wide variety of
materials up to 65ºC (150°F)
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) Most frequently specified of all •Chilled water Polar solvents, such as ketones
thermoplastic materials •Deionized water, irrigation
•Salt solutions
•Acids
•Alkalis
CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl Better chemical resistance than •Hot corrosive liquids Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
chloride) PVC •Hot or cold water
PE (polyethylene) Lowest-cost commercially avail- •Ethanol, methanol •Diethylether
able plastic. Pipes generally •Sodium, potassium, calcium •Methylene chloride
must be supported hydroxide (30%) •Ethylene chloride
•Glycol
•Oils, natural gas, gasoline
PP (polypropylene) Lightweight polyolefin •Organic solvents •Strong oxidizing agents
Can be used at higher tem- •Resistance to sulfur-bearing •Chlorinated hydrocarbons
peratures than PE compounds •Aromatics
•Salt-water disposal lines
•Crude-oil piping
•Mixtures and acids, bases,
solvents
PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) Best combination of strength, •Wet or dry chlorine, bromine, Fuming sulfuric acid
chemical resistance and work- other halogens
ing temperatures •Acids, bases, organic solvents
EPDM (ethylene propylene Good abrasion and tear Variety of acids and bases, •Petroleum oils
diene monomer) resistance alcohols, ketones •Strong acids
•Strong bases
Chlorosulfonated polyethylene Good resistance to ozone, Salt solutions, nitric, sulfuric, Fuming nitric and sulfuric acids
(Hypalon) flames hydrofluoric acids
Neoprene Among the first synthetic •Food and beverage •Strong oxidizing agents
rubbers developed applications •Chlorinated solvents
•Vegetable oils •Esters
•Ketones
Nitrile Copolymer of butadiene and •Solvent •Highly polar solvents
acrylonitrile •Oil •Chlorinated hydrocarbons
•Water
•Hydraulic fluid
Polyamide (Nylon) Hygroscopic material •Gasoline •Strong oxidizing agents
Good abrasion resistance •Alkanes •Phenols
•Acetone, methylethyl ketone •Mineral acids
Fluorocarbon Inherently compatible with a •Mineral acids Steam
wide spectrum of chemicals •Salt solutions
•Chlorinated hydrocarbons
•Petroleum oils
Polytetrafluoroethylene Most chemically resistant plas- Outstanding resistance to most Molten metals
(PTFE; Teflon) tic commercially available chemicals and solvents
PEEK (polyether etherketone) Can be used at higher tem- •Heat transfer fluids Concentrated nitric, hydrochlo-
peratures than PTFE; physical •Steam ric, hydrobromic, hydrofluoric
characteristics approaching •Hydrocarbons and sulfuric acids
some metal
Polyethylene teraphthalate Shows resistance to ultraviolet •Hydrocarbon fuels •Concentrated sulfuric acid
(PET) radiation •Water •Phenol
•Ethanol, ethyl ether •Acetone