Chemical Resistance of Plastics

Plastics are polymers that encompass a large variety of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials. They can be moulded, extruded or pressed into solid objects of various shapes and have been adapted to make use of their properties including being lightweight, durable, flexible, and inexpensive to produce. Plastics can be affected by their environment and it is important to know their limitations and stability when in contact with extreme cold or heat, radiation and other chemicals.

Table 1. Physical Properties of Plastics 

Plastics

Temperature Range

Microwaveability*

Density

PFA, Perfluoroalkoxy

 ‐200°C to 260°C

Yes

2.17g/cm3

PTFE, Polytetrafluoroethylene

‐200°C to 260°C

Yes

2.17g/cm3

FEP, Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene

‐100°C to 205°C

Yes

2.15g/cm3

ETFE, Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene

‐100°C to 150°C

Yes

1.70g/cm3

PMP, Polymethylpentene

0°C to 150°C

Yes

0.83g/cm3

PP, Polypropylene

0°C to 125°C

Yes

0.90g/cm3

HDPE, High-Density Polyethylene

‐50°C to 105°C

Yes

0.95g/cm3

LDPE, Low-Density Polyethylene

‐50°C to 80°C

Yes

0.92g/cm3

PET, Polyethylene Terephthalate

‐70°C to 150°C

No

1.40g/cm3

PC, Polycarbonate

‐130°C to 125°C

Yes

1.20g/cm3

POM, Polyoxymethylene (Acetal)

‐40°C to 130°C

No

1.42g/cm3

PA, Polyamide (Nylon)

0°C to 90°C

‐

1.13g/cm3

SAN, Styrene Acrylonitrile

‐40°C to 70°C

No

1.03g/cm3

PMMA, Polymethyl Methacrylate

‐50°C to 65‐95°C

No

1.18g/cm3

PS, Polystyrene

‐20°C to 70°C

No

1.05g/cm3

PVC, Polyvinyl Chloride

‐20°C to 80°C

No

1.35g/cm3

MF, Melamine Formaldehyde

‐80°C to 120°C

Yes**

1.50g/cm3

NR, Natural Rubber

‐40°C to 80°C

No

1.20g/cm3

SI, Silicone

‐60°C to 180°C

No

1.10g/cm3

EPDM, Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer

‐40°C to 130°C

‐

‐

FKM, Fluoroelastomer (Viton)

‐30°C to 220°C

‐

‐

 * Mind the chemical and temperature suitability.

** Caution necessary when used in a microwave oven: Heating can release amounts of melamine and formaldehyde that can be harmful to health.

The chemical stability of plastics when in contact with various substances are classified as follows: 

✓

Very good chemical resistance
Within 30 days, continuous exposure to media causes no damage to the plastic. The plastic may remain resistant for years. 
! Good to limited chemical resistance
Within 7‐30 days, continuous exposure to media causes minor and reversible damage (e.g. swelling, softening, loss of mechanical strength, discolouration). 
✕ Poor chemical resistance
Not suitable for exposure to media as immediate damage may occur (e.g. loss of mechanical strength, deformation, discolouration, cracking, liquefaction).​

Table 2. Chemical Resistance of Plastics to Various Substance Classes (@20°C)

Plastics PFA PTFE FEP ETFE PMP PP HDPE LDPE PC POM PA SAN PMMA PS PVC MF NR SI EPDM FKM
Acids (strong/conc.) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ ! ✓ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✓ !
Acids (weak/diluted) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ! ✕ ✕ ! ✕ ! ✓ ! ! ! ✓ ✓
Alcohols, aliphatics ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ! ✓ ✕ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✕
Aldehydes ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ! ✓ ✓ ! ! ! ! ✕ ! ✕ ✕ ✓ ! ! ✓ ✓
Alkalis ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✕ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✕ ✓ ! ✓ !
Esters ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ! ! ! ! ✕ ✕ ✓ ✕ ! ✕ ✕ ✓ ! ! ! ✕
Ethers ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✕ ! ! ! ✕ ✓ ✓ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕
Hydrocarbons, aliphatic ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ! ✓ ✓ ! ! ✓ ! ✕ ✓ ✕ ✓ ✓ ✕ ✕ ✕ !
Hydrocarbons, aromatic ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✕ ! ✓ ! ✕ ✓ ! ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✓ ✕ ✕ ✕ !
Hydrocarbons, halogenated ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✕ ! ! ! ✕ ✓ ! ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✓ ✕ ✕ ✕ !
Ketones ✓ ✓ ✓ ! ! ! ! ! ✕ ✓ ✓ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✓ ✕ ✕ ! ✕
Oxidising acids and agents ✓ ✓ ✓ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕ ! !

Table 3. Chemical Stability of Plastics (@20°C)

Table 4. Chemical Stability of Plastics (@50°C)

Plastics Key

EPDM Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer PFA Perfluoroalkoxy
ETFE Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene PMMA Polymethyl Methacrylate
FEP Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene PMP Polymethylpentene
FKM Fluoroelastomer (Viton) POM Polyoxymethylene (Acetal)
HDPE High-Density Polyethylene PP Polypropylene
LDPE Low-Density Polyethylene PS Polystyrene
MF Melamine Formaldehyde PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene
NR Natural Rubber PVC Polyvinyl Chloride
PA Polyamide (Nylon) SAN Styrene Acrylonitrile
PC Polycarbonate SI
Silicone
PET Polyethylene Terephthalate