PP Polypropylene - Chemical Resistance
Chemical resistance of Polypropylene - PP - to acids, bases, organic substances and solvents.
PP (Polypropylene) is a polyolefin available in as homopolymer and co-polymer. PP has superior resistance to sulfur-bearing compounds and is capable of withstanding a wide range of corrosive and sanitary effluents. PP is more resistant to organic solvents than other common plastic pipe materials . PP is only slightly less rigid than PVC.
Chemical resistance of polypropylene and common products and chemicals:
Acids
| Product | Rating 1) | |
|---|---|---|
| 20 oC (68 oF) | 60 oC (140 oF) | |
| Benzoic acid | 1 | 2 |
| Boric acid | 1 | 1 |
| Hydrobromic acid 25 % | 2 | 3 |
| Citric acid | 1 | 1 |
| Hydrocyanic acid | 2 | 2 |
| Hydrofluoric acid | 2 | 2 |
| Phosphoric acid 25 % | 1 | 1 |
| Phosphoric acid 85 % | 1 | 1 |
| Phthalic acid | 1 | 1 |
| Tannic acid | 1 | 1 |
| Chromic acid | 1 | 2 |
| Maleic acid | 1 | 1 |
| Oleic acid | 2 | 3 |
| Oxalic acid | 1 | 1 |
| Nitric acid 5 % | 2 | 3 |
| Nitric acid 65 % | 4 | 4 |
| Chlorhydric acid 10 % | 1 | 1 |
| Chlorhydric acid 37 % | 2 | 3 |
| Butyric acid | 1 | 1 |
| Sulphuric acid 10 % | 1 | 1 |
| Sulphuric acid 78 % | 2 | 4 |
| Sulphuric acid 93 % | 3 | 4 |
| Tartaric acid | 1 | 1 |
| Acetic acid 10 % | 1 | 1 |
| Acetic acid 50 % | 1 | 1 |
| Acetic acid 75 % | 1 | 1 |
| Acetic acid 100 % | 2 | 3 |
| Perchloric acid | 1 | 2 |
Bases
| Product | Rating 1) | |
|---|---|---|
| 20 oC (68 oF) | 60 oC (140 oF) | |
| Aqua ammonia | 1 | 1 |
| Calciumhydroxide | 1 | 1 |
| Potassiumhydroxide | 1 | 1 |
| Caustic soda | 1 | 1 |
| Acid salt 2) | 1 | 1 |
| Basic salt 3) | 1 | 1 |
| Neutral salt 4) | 1 | 1 |
| Various salt | ||
| Potassium bicarbonate | 1 | 2 |
| Potassium permanganate | 1 | 2 |
| Sodium cyanide | 1 | 1 |
| Natriumferricyanid | 1 | 2 |
| Sodium hypochlorite | 2 | 3 |
Organic Substances, Solvents
| Product | Rating 1) | |
|---|---|---|
| 20 oC (68 oF) | 60 oC (140 oF) | |
| Acetone | 2 | 2 |
| Aniline | 1 | 1 |
| Benzol | 3 | 4 |
| Petrol | 4 | 4 |
| Butyl alcohol | 1 | 1 |
| Ethyl acetate | 2 | 4 |
| Ethyl alcohol | 1 | 1 |
| Ethyl dichloride | 3 | 4 |
| Ethyl ether | 4 | 4 |
| Phenol | 2 | 2 |
| Formalin 37% | 1 | 2 |
| Heptanes | 3 | 4 |
| Chlorobenzene | 3 | 4 |
| Chloroform | 4 | 4 |
| Carbon disulphide | 4 | 4 |
| Carbon tetrachloride | 4 | 4 |
| Methyl alcohol | 1 | 1 |
| Methylene (di)chloride | 4 | 4 |
| Methyl ethyle ketone | 3 | 4 |
| Nitrobenzene | 3 | 4 |
| Toluene | 3 | 4 |
| Trichlorethylene | 4 | 4 |
| Gases | ||
| Chlorine (damp) | 2 | 4 |
| Chlorine (dry) | 2 | 4 |
| Carbon dioxide | 1 | 1 |
| Carbon monoxide | 1 | 1 |
| Sulphur dioxide (damp) | 2 | 3 |
| Sulphur dioxide (dry) | 2 | 3 |
| Hydrogen sulphide | 1 | 1 |
1) Rating:
- Excellent (no attack)
- Good (no significant attack)
- Acceptable (light attack, limited use)
- Unacceptable (significant attack)
- Inferior (possible cracking or dissolving)
2) Acid salt (normally aqueous) aluminum chloride, aluminum phosphate, copper chloride, sulphate of copper, ferrous sulphate, ferric chloride, stannic chloride, chloride of zinc, white vitriol etc
3) Basic salt (normally aqueous) bicarbonate of potassium, potash, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium phosphate etc.
4) Neutral salt (normally aqueous) calcium chloride, calcium nitrate, calcium sulphate, magnesium chloride, nitrate of potassium, potassium sulphate, sodium chloride, sodium nitrate, sodium sulphate etc.