Fluoropolymer Chemical Compatibility Chart

Our team at Alfa Chemistry recognizes that choosing the proper fluoropolymer heavily depends on accurate chemical resistance data. The fluoropolymer chemical compatibility chart is an invaluable guide for engineers and scientists who need to maximize material efficiency under harsh environmental conditions.

Why Chemical Compatibility Matters?

Fluoropolymers receive acclaim for their outstanding durability against chemical exposure, heat, and corrosive elements. Performance of these materials shows great variation when applied to different chemicals with varying concentrations and under different temperatures and exposure times. Incorrect assessments of compatibility expose systems to potential material breakdown, equipment malfunctions and safety risks. Our chart streamlines decision processes with essential data presented in a user-friendly format enabling users to choose the optimal fluoropolymer for their use conditions.

Alfa Chemistry provides top-quality fluoropolymers alongside the professional knowledge and support needed to guarantee the success of your projects. Our chart provides guidance so you can select materials with full confidence after today's review.

Note: It is critical to test compatibility during actual operation because mechanical stress and extended exposure time might affect how materials perform.

Explore Key Fluoropolymers

PTFE

PTFE represents the best standard among fluoropolymers because of its superior chemical inertness and thermal stability which makes it ideal for extreme environments.

Highly Compatible Chemicals for PTFE

• Acids: Both strong and weak acids demonstrate compatibility with PTFE which includes sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid along with hydrofluoric acid (even at elevated temperatures).
• Bases: The strong alkaline substances sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide along with ammonium hydroxide.
• Organic Solvents: Aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene), alcohols, ketones, esters, and chlorinated solvents (e.g., chloroform, carbon tetrachloride).
• Oxidizers: Hydrogen peroxide, ozone, and halogens (chlorine, bromine) in most conditions.
• Gases: Resistant to corrosive gases like chlorine, ammonia, and sulfur dioxide.

Key Exceptions

• Elemental Fluorine and molten alkali metals (e.g., sodium, potassium) can degrade PTFE at high temperatures.
• Fluorinated compounds (e.g., chlorine trifluoride) may react under prolonged exposure.

Download PTFE Chemical Compatibility Data Chart

PVDF

Combines chemical resistance with mechanical strength and UV stability, perfect for applications requiring durability and processability.

Compatible Chemicals for PVDF

• Acids: Resistant to dilute hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, and phosphoric acids at moderate temperatures.
• Bases: Compatible with weak alkalis (e.g., sodium hydroxide at low concentrations).
• Solvents: Stable in alcohols, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and halogens (e.g., chlorine, bromine).
• Oxidizers: Handles hydrogen peroxide and ozone in mild conditions.

Exceptions

• Concentrated Sulfuric/Nitric Acids: Can degrade PVDF at elevated temperatures.
• Strong Amines/Polar Solvents: May cause swelling or stress cracking (e.g., acetone, dimethylformamide).
• Elevated-Temperature Strong Bases: Susceptible to attack (e.g., >10% NaOH at >60°C).

Download PVDF Chemical Compatibility Data Chart

Other High-Performance Materials

PEEK

The material provides excellent thermal resistance and mechanical strength while resisting wear which makes it suitable for use in harsh environments.

Compatible Chemicals for PEEK

• Acids: Resistant to dilute sulfuric, hydrochloric, and phosphoric acids at moderate temperatures.
• Bases: Compatible with alkalis (e.g., sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide) at low to moderate concentrations.
• Organic Solvents: Stable in hydrocarbons, alcohols, ketones, and esters.
• Oils & Greases: Resists hydraulic fluids, fuels, and lubricants even at elevated temperatures.
• Gases: Low permeability to gases like CO₂, O₂, and N₂.

Exceptions

• Concentrated Sulfuric/Nitric Acids: Attack PEEK at high temperatures (>100°C).
• Strong Oxidizing Agents: Degraded by fuming nitric acid, concentrated hydrogen peroxide, or halogens (e.g., chlorine gas) under prolonged exposure.
• Polar Solvents: Limited resistance to dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethylacetamide (DMAc), and concentrated sulfuric acid.

Download PEEK Chemical Compatibility Data Chart