Materials


Chemical compatibility chart

Chemical Teflon® (PTFE) PCTFE/PFA PEEK* Vespel® PPS Conductive nylon** Stainless steel Silicone rubber*** Viton® rubber****
Acetone A A A A A A A B C
Ammonia A A A B to C A B to C A C B to C
Hydrochloric acid A A B B to C B B to C C B to C A
Hydrofluoric acid A A C B to C B B to C B to C C A to B
Hydrogen peroxide A A A B to C B B to C A to B B A
Isopropyl alcohol A A A A A A A A A
Nitric acid A A B to C B to C B B to C A to B B to C A
Sodium hydroxide A A A B to C A B to C B B to C B to C
Sulphuric acid A A C B to C B B to C C C A to B

A: Good

B: Fair

C: Not recommended

The information presented on this chart is only intended as a reference. Chemical compatibility is affected by length of exposure, temperature, pressure, concentration and other factors. We recommend that the effect of the individual chemical is tested before use.

*Conductive PEEK has similar properties to PEEK.

** Conductive MC nylon has similar properties to Conductive nylon.

*** Conductive Silicone rubber has similar properties to Silicone rubber.

**** Conductive Viton® rubber has similar properties to Viton® rubber.


PEEK (polyetheretherketone)

PEEK is a unique, semi-crystalline, high-temperature engineering thermoplastic with excellent chemical and fatigue resistance and thermal stability, exhibiting superior mechanical and electrical properties. ESD PEEK is carbon filled to provide good characteristics for the dissipation of static electricity. It has excellent retention of mechanical properties up to 300°C in a steam or high-pressure water environment. It is inert to all common solvents and resists a wide range of organic and inorganic liquids.

  • Excellent flexural, impact and tensile characteristics
  • Exceptional chemical resistance
  • May be sterilised/autoclaved at temperatures in excess of 250°C
  • Outstanding wear and abrasion resistance
  • Low smoke and toxic gas emissions - among the lowest of any thermoplastic material
  • More information about Victrex PEEK can be found here.

PPS (polyphenylene sulphide)

PPS is a high-temperature, semi-crystalline material. It has good mechanical properties and excellent chemical resistance at elevated temperatures. PPS has been compounded extensively and many different types of properties are available.

  • Good tensile strength
  • Excellent flexural, impact and tensile characteristics
  • Maximum temperature: 250°C short duration; 230°C long term
  • Good to excellent chemical resistance.

Vespel®

  • Heat resistance to 288°C
  • Low coefficient of friction
  • Good toughness
  • Superior cleanliness
  • Outstanding radiation resistance
  • High dielectric strength
  • Outstanding wear resistance
  • Low outgassing.

More information about Dupont Vespel can be found here.


Teflon®

Teflon is a fluoropolymer resin with exceptional resistance to high temperatures, chemical reaction, corrosion and stress cracking. The mechanical toughness, electrical and low-friction properties of Teflon make it a preferred plastic for a host of applications and different processing techniques.

  • Heat resistance to 288°C
  • Low coefficient of friction
  • Superior cleanliness
  • Exceptional chemical resistance
  • Outstanding wear resistance
  • Low outgassing.

More information about Teflon can be found here.


PCTFE (polychlorotrifluoroethylene)

PCTFE is a partly crystalline polymer fluoroplastic, which is harder than all other materials of this kind. It is particularly characterised by its high deformation resistance. PCTFE is comparable to PTFE, with a restricted thermal resistance.

  • Resistant to UV radiation
  • Very low gas permeability rate
  • Translucent
  • Non-porous.
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