Material guide
Chemical-Resistant Plastics: Compatibility Chart by Chemical Type
Which plastics hold up to acids, caustics, solvents, fuels and hot water? A general chemical resistance chart for PTFE, PVDF, PP, PE, PVC, CPVC, PEEK, acetal, nylon, polycarbonate and more, plus how to choose.
For the broadest chemical resistance, PTFE is nearly universal. For tanks, piping and fabricated equipment, polypropylene, PE, PVC/CPVC and PVDF cover most acids, caustics and salts at lower cost. For high temperatures and steam, PEEK and PPS. Avoid acetal, nylon, polycarbonate and acrylic in aggressive chemical service.
Chemical resistance chart
General ratings at room temperature. E = excellent, G = good, F = fair or limited, P = poor or not recommended.
Swipe the chart sideways to see all columns →
| Plastic | Dilute acids | Strong / oxidizing acids | Bases / caustics | Organic solvents | Oils & fuels | Hot water / steam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PTFE | E | E | E | E | E | E |
| PVDF | E | E | F | G | E | G |
| PEEK | E | F | E | E | E | E |
| PPS | E | F | E | E | E | E |
| Polypropylene | E | F | E | F | G | G |
| HDPE / UHMW | E | F | E | F | G | F |
| PVC | E | G | E | P | G | P |
| CPVC | E | G | E | P | G | G |
| Ultem (PEI) | G | F | F | F | E | G |
| Acetal | F | P | G | E | E | F |
| Nylon | F | P | G | E | E | F |
| Polycarbonate | G | P | P | P | G | F |
| Acrylic | G | P | G | P | F | P |
General guidance by chemical family at room temperature. Ratings drop at higher temperatures and concentrations; specific chemicals can be exceptions.
Reading the chart
- Strong and oxidizing acids (concentrated nitric, sulfuric, chromic) are the toughest test. PTFE and PVDF handle them; most others don't.
- Bases and caustics are where PVDF, polycarbonate and Ultem are weakest, and where PP, PE, PVC and PEEK shine.
- Organic solvents vary widely. Ketones (acetone, MEK), chlorinated and aromatic solvents attack PVC, polycarbonate and acrylic and swell PE and PP. Acetal and nylon handle most solvents well.
- Temperature changes everything. A plastic rated "E" at room temperature may be only fair at 150°F. Check ratings at your operating temperature.
Common picks by application
Tanks, plating and chemical handling
- Polypropylene (most acids, caustics)
- HDPE (drums, tanks, liners)
- PVDF (strong acids, oxidizers, high purity)
Piping, duct and fume exhaust
- PVC (room temperature)
- CPVC (hot chemicals to ~200°F)
- PP and PVDF (welded systems)
Machined parts in harsh service
- PEEK and PPS (heat plus chemicals)
- PTFE (seals, gaskets, lined parts)
- PVDF (pumps, valves, fittings)
Welded tanks and duct? See plastic welding and fabrication shops.
Tip from the counter: when someone asks for "something chemical resistant," ask for the exact chemical, concentration and temperature, and whether the part is under stress. Stress cracking from a cleaner is one of the most common plastic failures.
Related: PVDF vs PTFE, high-temperature plastics chart.
Common questions
Which plastic is the most chemical resistant?
PTFE (Teflon) and other fully fluorinated plastics like PFA and FEP resist almost every chemical, including strong acids, bases and solvents, at high temperatures. The practical trade-offs are cost, softness and the fact that PTFE can't be welded or easily fabricated. PVDF, PP and PEEK cover most chemical applications at lower cost or with better mechanical properties.
Is polypropylene chemically resistant?
Yes. Polypropylene resists most acids, bases and salt solutions very well and is a workhorse for tanks, plating lines and chemical handling at moderate temperatures. It's weaker against strong oxidizers (like concentrated nitric acid) and some aromatic and chlorinated solvents, which can swell it.
Is PVC plastic chemical resistant?
PVC resists most acids, bases and salts well at room temperature and is widely used for chemical piping, tanks and duct. It's attacked by many organic solvents (ketones, chlorinated and aromatic solvents) and is limited to about 140°F. CPVC extends the temperature range to about 200°F.
Is HDPE plastic chemical resistant?
Yes, HDPE and UHMW resist most acids, bases and alcohols very well, which is why HDPE is used for chemical drums and tanks. Like PP, they can swell with some hydrocarbons and solvents and are weakened by strong oxidizers, and their temperature limit is low (about 180°F).
Which plastics should I avoid around strong acids?
Acetal (Delrin) and nylon are attacked by strong acids and shouldn't be used for acid service. Polycarbonate and acrylic are also poor choices with many chemicals. For acids, look at PVDF, PP, PE, PVC/CPVC, PTFE and, for higher temperatures, PEEK (except concentrated sulfuric and nitric acid).
This chart is a general guide by chemical family only. Resistance depends on the exact chemical, its concentration, temperature, exposure time and stress on the part, and a plastic rated well for a family can still fail with one specific chemical. Check the manufacturer's chemical resistance data for your exact grade and chemical, review the material certifications, and test or confirm with your supplier before you specify.
Who stocks and machines it
Distributors that stock these materials and shops that machine or fabricate them, from the Stock & Shape directory.
PVDF
- Polymershapes – Seattle Seattle, WA
- Port Plastics – Seattle Seattle, WA
- Professional Plastics – Portland Tualatin, OR
- Boyd Machine Co. Souderton, PA
- First Op Manufacturing Salem, OR
- Magna Machine & Tool New Castle, IN
- Murray Mold & Die Murray, KY
Polypropylene
- Calsak Plastics – Atlanta Lawrenceville, GA
- Curbell Plastics – Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH
- Interstate Advanced Materials – Seattle Kent, WA
- Multi-Craft Plastics – Eugene Eugene, OR
- Boyd Machine Co. Souderton, PA
- Mountain CNC Loveland, CO
- NN, Inc. – Algonquin Algonquin, IL
- The Wehrmeyer Group Dallas, GA
PTFE (Teflon)
- Calsak Plastics – Portland Portland, OR
- Curbell Plastics – Dallas-Fort Worth Arlington, TX
- Piedmont Plastics – Salt Lake City Sandy, UT
- Total Plastics – Tampa Tampa, FL
- Carlson Tool & Manufacturing Cedarburg, WI
- H. H. Arnold Co. Rockland, MA
- MF Engineering Company Bristol, RI
- NN, Inc. – Algonquin Algonquin, IL
CPVC
- Piedmont Plastics – Portland Wilsonville, OR
- Evolution Manufacturing Hubbard, OR
- PDI Duct North Chelmsford, MA
PVC
- Calsak Plastics – Portland Portland, OR
- Curbell Plastics – Buffalo Orchard Park, NY
- Laird Plastics – Baton Rouge Baton Rouge, LA
- Piedmont Plastics – Columbus Columbus, OH
- First Op Manufacturing Salem, OR
- Hi Rel Plastics & Molding Riverside, CA
- Metal Working Technology Cornwall Bridge, CT
- Metalcraft Manufacturing Lafayette, LA