Good Chemical Resistance

Chemical resistant plastics for industrial chemical environments

Plastics are used in applications that require exposure to acids, bases, solvents, and other industrial chemicals. When selecting a plastic material for use in a chemical environment, it is important to consider the chemical type, concentration, operating temperature range, mechanical load, exposure time, and whether the part will be used in a structural, wear, sealing, or fluid-handling application.

A number of plastics, including polyolefins, fluoropolymers, and PEEK, can provide strong chemical resistance depending on the application conditions. Chemical compatibility should be evaluated carefully because a plastic that performs well with one chemical may swell, soften, crack, or lose mechanical properties when exposed to another chemical, a higher concentration, or a different temperature range. Curbell’s article on plastic materials in chemical environments explains key factors to consider.

Use this page as a starting point to compare plastics with good chemical resistance, then review the Chemical Resistance of Plastics tool, ask a plastics expert for help with your application, or request a quote.

Curbell Plastics can help you:

• Compare chemical resistant plastics for exposure to acids, bases, solvents, cleaning agents, and other industrial chemicals.
• Evaluate material options based on chemical concentration, temperature range, mechanical load, exposure time, and application requirements.
• Identify plastic materials to consider for your application, operating environment, part geometry, fabrication process, and documentation needs.