April 14, 2026
Plastics Chemical Resistance Chart — Comprehensive Comparison
Choosing the wrong plastic for a chemically aggressive environment can mean premature failure, costly downtime, and safety risks. This guide compares the chemical resistance of seven commonly used engineering plastics in a single reference table, so you can select the right material with confidence.
Why Chemical Resistance Matters
In industrial applications, plastic components are regularly exposed to acids, bases, solvents, fuels, and other aggressive media. A poor material choice can lead to swelling, cracking, embrittlement, or complete dissolution. A chemical resistance chart allows engineers and procurement professionals to compare materials quickly and avoid costly mistakes.
It is important to note that chemical resistance always depends on concentration, temperature, and exposure time. The table below is based on room temperature and typical working concentrations unless otherwise stated.
Chemical Resistance Chart
Rating system: A = Excellent, B = Good, C = Limited, D = Not recommended
| Chemical | PTFE | PEEK | POM | PA | PE | PPS | PVDF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfuric acid (H&sub2;SO&sub4;) | A | B | D | D | B | B | A |
| Hydrochloric acid (HCl) | A | A | D | D | A | A | A |
| Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) | A | A | C | A | A | B | B |
| Acetone | A | A | B | B | C | A | C |
| Toluene | A | A | B | B | C | B | B |
| Ethanol | A | A | A | B | A | A | A |
| Diesel fuel | A | A | A | B | B | A | A |
| Hydraulic oil | A | A | A | B | B | A | A |
| Steam (100 °C) | A | A | C | C | D | A | B |
| Chlorine water | A | B | C | C | B | B | A |
| Hydrogen peroxide (H&sub2;O&sub2;) | A | B | C | C | B | B | A |
| Ammonia | A | A | B | B | A | B | B |
Rating Explanations
- A — Excellent: The material withstands the chemical excellently in long-term use. No measurable swelling, weight change, or degradation of mechanical properties.
- B — Good: The material resists the chemical well under most conditions. Minor effects may occur during prolonged exposure or at elevated temperatures.
- C — Limited: The material can be used for short-term exposure or at low concentrations, but long-term contact causes significant degradation. Use with caution.
- D — Not recommended: The chemical causes rapid degradation, swelling, or cracking. The material is unsuitable for this environment.
Temperature Dependence
The chart above is based on room temperature (approximately 20–25 °C). As temperature increases, chemical resistance decreases in almost every case — sometimes dramatically. For example:
- PE softens at 60–80 °C, allowing chemicals to penetrate the material more easily.
- POM loses its acid resistance significantly above 50 °C.
- PA (Nylon) absorbs moisture at elevated temperatures, which weakens both chemical and mechanical resistance.
- PTFE maintains its chemical inertness up to 260 °C, making it the superior choice in extreme conditions.
- PEEK resists most chemicals even at 250 °C, but concentrated sulfuric acid becomes problematic at high temperatures.
We always recommend testing material suitability under actual operating conditions when temperatures exceed 60 °C or chemical concentrations are high.
Material-Specific Notes
PTFE is the most chemically inert plastic available. It resists virtually all chemicals except molten alkali metals and fluorine at high temperatures. PTFE is ideal for seals, linings, and chemical processing components.
PVDF combines excellent resistance to acids and oxidizers with good mechanical strength. It is a popular choice for chemical industry piping and valves.
PPS offers broad chemical resistance combined with high temperature capability (continuous use at 220 °C). It is an excellent choice for automotive and chemical processing applications.
PEEK resists nearly all chemicals while offering the best mechanical properties at high temperatures. It is the premium choice when both chemical and mechanical resistance are required simultaneously.
POM handles solvents and fuels well but is vulnerable to strong acids. It is a cost-effective choice for mechanical parts where aggressive chemical exposure is not present.
PA (Nylon) resists bases and oils well, but strong acids degrade it rapidly. Moisture absorption must be considered, especially in warm and humid conditions.
PE offers good resistance to most chemicals at low temperatures, but its low thermal limit significantly restricts the operating range.
Conclusion
In material selection, chemical resistance is just one factor — temperature capability, mechanical strength, machinability, and cost must also be considered. PTFE and PVDF are the safest choices for aggressive chemical environments, while PEEK combines broad chemical resistance with the best mechanical properties. For more cost-effective applications, POM, PA, and PE are often sufficient, provided the chemical exposure is known and controlled.
Need help selecting the right material?
We supply all materials listed in this chart as rods, sheets, tubes, and precision-machined parts. Tell us about your application and chemical exposure, and we’ll recommend the right material.
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