Chemical-resistant plastics
Fluoropolymers (PTFE, PVDF, PFA) are the reference for near-universal chemical resistance. PP and HDPE cover most commodity chemical environments at a fraction of the cost, while PEEK bridges the gap between commodity chemistry and high temperature.
What to look for
- Broad resistance to acids and bases
- Low permeation and no swelling under solvents
- Stable across the operating temperature range
Top materials for chemical-resistant plastics
- #1PETGPolyethylene Terephthalate Glycol
A clear, food-safe, easy-to-print thermoplastic combining PET's strength with excellent formability.
- #2PEEKPolyether Ether Ketone
A semi-crystalline high-performance polymer with outstanding thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties.
- #3HDPEHigh-Density Polyethylene
A rigid, chemical-resistant polyethylene used for bottles, pipes, and industrial containers.
- #4PolypropylenePolypropylene
A lightweight, fatigue-resistant polymer ubiquitous in packaging, textiles, and living hinges.
- #5POM (Delrin)Polyoxymethylene
A stiff, low-friction acetal polymer engineered for precision gears and mechanical parts.
- #6PA12 StandardPolyamide 12 Standard
Low water absorption, good dimensional stability, excellent chemical resistance.
- #7PA11 FlexiblePolyamide 11 Flexible
Bio-based, excellent flexibility, good impact strength and chemical resistance.
- #8PA610 Low AbsorptionPolyamide 610 Low Absorption
Lower moisture absorption than PA6/PA66, good chemical and dimensional stability.
- #9PBT StandardPolybutylene Terephthalate Standard
Excellent electrical properties, good chemical resistance, low warpage.
- #10PPS GF40Polyphenylene Sulfide, 40% Glass Fiber Reinforced
Exceptional thermal stability, chemical resistance, and inherent flame retardancy.
- #11PPA StandardPolyphthalamide Standard
High strength and stiffness at elevated temperatures, good chemical resistance.
- #12PC/PBT BlendPolycarbonate / Polybutylene Terephthalate Blend
Good toughness, chemical resistance, and dimensional stability.
- #13POM HomopolymerPolyoxymethylene Homopolymer
High stiffness, strength, excellent fatigue resistance and low friction.
- #14POM CopolymerPolyoxymethylene Copolymer
Good chemical resistance, fatigue strength, and creep resistance.
- #15PSU StandardPolysulfone Standard
High temperature resistance, good mechanical strength, and transparency.
- #16PES High TempPolyethersulfone High Temperature
Higher continuous use temperature and creep resistance than PSU.
- #17PEI StandardPolyetherimide Standard
Exceptional thermal stability, high strength, broad chemical resistance.
- #18LCP Vectra ALiquid Crystal Polymer Vectra A
Exceptional flowability in thin walls, high thermal and chemical resistance.
- #19SMA StandardStyrene Maleic Anhydride Standard
Good heat resistance and dimensional stability for a styrene-based polymer.
- #20SAN StandardStyrene Acrylonitrile Standard
Good transparency, stiffness, and chemical resistance compared to polystyrene.