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TUBING & ROD
PTFE Chemical Resistance
Material Scope
This data applies to Virgin (unfilled) PTFE – Sheet, tube, machined components, and bulk PTFE behaviour
Not covered: Glass-filled, carbon-filled, bronze-filled PTFE – Composite or laminated structures Filled grades may behave differently.
How this data is created
Chemical resistance ratings are compiled from:
- Polymer manufacturer technical data
- Independent industry chemical resistance charts
- Internal validation testing where required
- Testing and evaluation align with recognised plastics chemical resistance standards.
Disclaimer:
This information is provided for guidance only. No responsibility is accepted for its accuracy or completeness.
Material suitability must be verified by the user through appropriate testing for the intended application.
Reference Conditions
Unless otherwise stated, ratings are based on:
- Temperature: 23 °C (73 °F)
- Exposure: continuous immersion
- Duration: 7–30 days
Concentration as listed. Higher temperatures, pressure, mechanical stress, or mixed chemicals can reduce resistance.
Rating Definitions
| Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|
|
A – Excellent |
No significant change in properties
|
|
B – Good |
Minor change; suitable with engineering review
|
|
C – Limited |
Noticeable degradation; short-term use only
|
|
NR – Not recommended |
Chemical attack, swelling, or failure expected |
Acids
| Chemical | Concentration | 23°C | 100°C | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Hydrochloric Acid |
Up to 37% |
A |
A |
Chemically Inert |
|
Sulfuric Acid |
Up to 98% |
A |
B |
Elevated temperature increases permeation |
|
Nitric Acid |
≤70% |
A |
B |
Strong oxidiser at higher temperature |
|
Hyrdrofluoric Acid |
Any |
A |
A |
Excellent resistance
|
Akali
| Chemical | Concentration | 23°C | 100°C | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sodium hydroxide |
Any |
A |
A |
No chemical attack |
|
Potassium hydroxide |
Any |
A |
A |
No chemical attack |
Solvents
| Chemical | Concentration | 23°C | 100°C | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Acetone |
100% |
A |
A |
No swelling |
|
Toluene |
100% |
A |
A |
Excellent resistance |
|
MEK |
100% |
A |
A |
Stable |
|
Chlorinated solvents |
100% |
A |
A |
Resistant |
Oxidising Agents
| Chemical | Concentration | 23°C | 100°C | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Wet chlorine |
– |
A |
B |
Permeation increases with heat |
|
Fuming nitric acid |
>90% |
B |
NR |
Severe oxidising conditions |
Known Limitations
PTFE is not recommended for:
- Molten alkali metals
- Elemental fluorine at elevated temperature or pressure
- Applications where gas permeation is critical Chemical resistance does not prevent permeation.
Engineering Guidance
PTFE is one of the most chemically resistant polymers available.
- Performance limits are typically driven by: Temperature
- Pressure
- Permeation
- Mechanical stress
Application-specific review is recommended for:
- High-temperature service
- Pressure systems
- Dynamic seals
- CIP / SIP cleaning cycles
Rating Definitions
Chemical resistance data is provided as general guidance only. Actual performance depends on temperature, concentration, exposure time, pressure, and application design. Suitability for a specific application must be confirmed by engineering review and, where necessary, testing.
Disclaimer:
This information is provided for guidance only. No responsibility is accepted for its accuracy or completeness.
Material suitability must be verified by the user through appropriate testing for the intended application.