Microsoft word - chemical-resistance-hdpe-ldpe.doc

POLYETHYLENE
ART 254 10.12.1999 Ed. 2
Chemicals Resistance Table Low Density and High Density Polyethylene INTRODUCTION
The table in this document summarises the data given in a number of chemical resistance tables
at present in use in various countries, derived from both practical experience and test results.
Source: ISO/TR 7472, 7474; Carlowitz: “Kunststofftabellen-3. Auflage”.
The table contains an evaluation of the chemical resistance of a number of fluids judged to be
either aggressive or not towards low and high density polyethylene. This evaluation is based on
values obtained by immersion of low and high density polyethylene test specimens in the fluid
concerned at 20 and 60°C and atmospheric pressure, followed in certain cases by the
determination of tensile characteristics.
A subsequent classification will be established with respect to a restricted number of fluids
deemed to be technically or commercially more important, using equipment which permits testing
under pressure and the determination of the ìcoefficient of chemical resistanceî for each fluid.
These tests will thus furnish more complete indications on the use of low and high density
polyethylene products for the transport of stated fluids, including their use under pressure.
SCOPE AND FIELD APPLICATION
This document establishes a provisional classification of the chemical resistance of low and high
density polyethylene with respect to about 300 fluids. It is intended to provide general guidelines
on the possible utilisation of low and high density polyethylene:
–
in the absence of internal pressure and external mechanical stress (for example flexural stresses, stresses due to thrust, rolling loads etc). DEFINITIONS, SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS
The criteria of classification, definitions, symbols and abbreviations adopted in this document are
as follows:
S =
The chemical resistance of low or high density polyethylene exposed to the action of a fluid is classified as “satisfactory” when the results of test are acknowledged to be ìsatisfactoryî by the majority of the countries participating in the evaluation. The chemical resistance of low or high density polyethylene exposed to the action of a fluid is classified as “limited” when the results of tests are acknowledged to be “limited” by the majority of the countries participating in the evaluation. Also classified as “limited” are the resistance to the action of chemical fluids for which judgements “S” and “NS” or “L” are pronounced to an equal extent. NS = The chemical resistance of low or high density polyethylene exposed to the action of a fluid is classified as “not satisfactory” when the results of tests are acknowledged to be “not satisfactory” by the majority of the countries participating in the evaluation. Also classified as “not satisfactory” are materials for which judgements “L” and “NS” are pronounced to an equal extent. Sat.sol Saturated aqueous solution, prepared at 20°C Aqueous solution at a concentration higher than 10 %, but not saturated Dilute aqueous solution at a concentration equel to or lower than 10 % Aqueous solution having the usual concentration for industrial use Solution concentrations reported in the text are expressed as a percentage by mass. The aqueous solutions of sparingly soluble chemicals are considered, as far as chemical action towards low or high density polyethylene is concerned, as saturated solutions. In general, common chemical names are used in this document. The table is made as a first guideline for user of polyethylene. If a chemical compound is not to be found or if there is an uncertainty on the chemical resistance in an application, please contact Borealis for advise and proposal on testing. Chemical resistance of low density and high density polyethylene,
not subjected to mechanical stress, to various fluids at 20 and 60°C
Chemical or product
Concentration
Chemical or product
Concentration
Chemical or product
Concentration
Chemical or product
Concentration
Chemical or product
Concentration
Chemical or product
Concentration
Chemical or product
Concentration
Chemical or product
Concentration
Chemical or product
Concentration
Chemical or product
Concentration
Chemical or product
Concentration
Chemical or product
Concentration
Chemical or product
Concentration

Chemical or product
Concentration

Source: http://www.rotamoulding.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Chem-res-table-Polyethylene.pdf