Comprehensive Polypropylene Chemical Compatibility Chart

Polypropylene Chemical Compatibility Chart

Need to know which chemicals work well with polypropylene? Our chemical compatibility chart will help you maintain safety and efficiency in lab processes.

Polypropylene is a durable thermoplastic known for its chemical resistance. It is autoclavable and widely used in creating lab plasticware, such as instrument jars and trays.

Understanding its chemical compatibility is crucial for its safe and effective use in packaging, lab equipment, and industrial processes. In this guide, we will explore the essential facts about its resistance to chemicals and access its detailed chemical compatibility chart to help you determine which chemicals are safe to use with PP materials.

Key Facts About the Chemical Resistance of Polypropylene


Polypropylene Icon

Polypropylene offers good resistance to most organic solvents

Polypropylene can withstand exposure to most organic solvents, fats, and non-oxidizing acids and bases. This level of chemical resistance allows polypropylene to be used in various industrial and consumer products, where exposure to these substances is common.

Xylene Icon

Polypropylene dissolves in nonpolar solvents

Polypropylene dissolves in nonpolar solvents, including xylene, tetralin, and decalin, at high temperatures. This attribute is essential for various manufacturing processes and applications that require precise polymer dissolution.

Polypropylene Temperature Icon

Polypropylene has a high melting point

Polypropylene melts at 160°C (320°F), which is relatively high. This property is ideal for thermal resistance and stability applications, such as heat-resistant containers and automotive components.

Polypropylene Temperature Threshold Icon

Polypropylene has a low-temperature threshold

Polypropylene has a low-temperature threshold and becomes brittle below 0°C. This brittleness at low temperatures must be considered in applications where the lab plastics will be exposed to freezing or sub-zero conditions, as it can affect the durability and performance of the final product.

Chemical Resistance Icon

Polypropylene is chemically less resistant than polyethylene

While polypropylene has high chemical resistance, polyethylene is more chemically resistant. Both thermoplastic polymers belong to the same polyolefin family, but their compositions differ. Monomers like ethylene primarily comprise polyethylene, known for its two grades: HDPE and LDPE. Moreover, polyethylene is flexible, unlike polypropylene.

Oxidizing Agents Icon

Polypropylene is incompatible with strong oxidants

Polypropylene is not compatible with strong oxidants, which can cause it to degrade. This limitation must be considered when choosing materials for environments with potent oxidizing agents, as it can lead to the premature failure of polypropylene-based components.

Polypropylene Chemical Compatibility Chart

This chart shows the chemical compatibility of polypropylene at 22℃ and 48℃.

Chemical Effect Ratings

  • E = Excellent
  • G = Good, minor effects such as slight corrosion or discoloration
  • S = Satisfactory
  • F = Fair, moderate effects. Not recommended for continuous use as softening, loss of strength, or swelling may occur
  • X = Severe effects. Not recommended for any use
  • N = No available information
Chemical Compatibility at 22℃ (72℉) Compatibility at 48℃ (120℉)
Acetaldehyde S E
Acetamide S E
Acetate Solvent S G
Acetic Acid G
Acetic Acid 20% E
Acetic Acid 80% E
Acetic Acid, Glacial S E
Acetic Anhydride S G
Acetone E
Acetyl Bromide N
Acetyl Chloride (dry) X
Acetylene S E
Acrylonitrile S E
Adipic Acid G S
Alcohols: Amyl S G
Alcohols: Benzyl E
Alcohols: Butyl E
Alcohols: Diacetone G S
Alcohols: Ethyl E
Alcohols: Hexyl N
Alcohols: Isobutyl S E
Alcohols: Isopropyl E S
Alcohols: Methyl E S
Alcohols: Octyl N
Alcohols: Propyl E
Aluminum Chloride E
Aluminum Chloride 20% E
Aluminum Fluoride E
Aluminum Hydroxide E
Aluminum Nitrate E S
Aluminum Potassium Sulfate 10% E
Aluminum Potassium Sulfate 100% E
Aluminum Sulfate E
Alums E
Amines G S
Ammonia 10% E S
Ammonia Nitrate E
Ammonia, anhydrous E
Ammonia, liquid E S
Ammonium Acetate E
Ammonium Bifluoride E
Ammonium Carbonate E
Ammonium Caseinate N
Ammonium Chloride E
Ammonium Hydroxide E
Ammonium Nitrate E
Ammonium Oxalate E
Ammonium Persulfate E
Ammonium Phosphate, Dibasic E
Ammonium Phosphate, Monobasic E
Ammonium Phosphate, Tribasic E
Ammonium Sulfate E
Ammonium Sulfite E S
Ammonium Thiosulfate N
Amyl Acetate S G
Amyl Alcohol S G
Amyl Chloride X
Aniline S E
Aniline Hydrochloride X
Antifreeze X
Antimony Trichloride E
Aqua Regia (80% HCl, 20% HNO3) S G
Arochlor 1248 X
Aromatic Hydrocarbons X
Arsenic Acid E
Arsenic Salts N
Asphalt S G
Barium Carbonate E
Barium Chloride E
Barium Cyanide X
Barium Hydroxide G
Barium Nitrate E
Barium Sulfate S G
Barium Sulfide G
Beer S E
Beet Sugar Liquids S E
Benzaldehyde X
Benzene X
Benzene Sulfonic Acid X
Benzoic Acid S G
Benzol G
Benzonitrile N
Benzyl Chloride S F
Bleaching Liquors S E
Borax (Sodium Borate) G
Boric Acid E
Brewery Slop N
Bromine X
Butadiene F
Butane S E
Butanol (Butyl Alcohol) S E
Butter N
Buttermilk S E
Butyl Amine S G
Butyl Ether X
Butyl Phthalate G S
Butylacetate S G
Butylene N
Butyric Acid S G
Calcium Bisulfate N
Calcium Bisulfide E
Calcium Bisulfite E
Calcium Carbonate E
Calcium Chlorate N
Calcium Chloride E S
Calcium Hydroxide E S
Calcium Hypochlorite S E
Calcium Nitrate E S
Calcium Oxide E
Calcium Sulfate E
Calgon E
Cane Juice S F
Carbolic Acid (Phenol) G
Carbon Bisulfide X
Carbon Dioxide (dry) E S
Carbon Dioxide (wet) E S
Carbon Disulfide X
Carbon Monoxide E
Carbon Tetrachloride X
Carbon Tetrachloride (dry) X
Carbon Tetrachloride (wet) X
Carbonated Water G
Carbonic Acid E
Catsup E
Chloric Acid N
Chlorinated Glue N
Chlorine (dry) X
Chlorine Water X
Chlorine, Anhydrous Liquid X
Chloroacetic Acid S F
Chlorobenzene (Mono) S F
Chlorobromomethane E
Chloroform S F
Chlorosulfonic Acid X
Chocolate Syrup E S
Chromic Acid 10% X
Chromic Acid 30% X
Chromic Acid 5% X
Chromic Acid 50% X
Chromium Salts N
Cider E
Citric Acid E
Citric Oils E
Clorox (Bleach) E
Coffee E
Copper Chloride E
Copper Cyanide E
Copper Fluoborate N
Copper Nitrate E
Copper Sulfate>5% E
Copper Sulfate 5% E
Cream E
Cresols X
Cresylic Acid S E
Cupric Acid E S
Cyanic Acid N
Cyclohexane X
Cyclohexanone X
Detergents E
Diacetone Alcohol S E
Dichlorobenzene S F
Dichloroethane X
Diesel Fuel S E
Diethyl Ether S E
Diethylamine S E
Diethylene Glycol E S
Dimethyl Aniline X
Dimethyl Formamide E
Diphenyl X
Diphenyl Oxide X
Dyes N
Epsom Salts (Magnesium Sulfate) E
Ethane X
Ethanol E
Ethanolamine X
Ether X
Ethyl Acetate S E
Ethyl Benzoate S G
Ethyl Chloride X
Ethyl Ether X
Ethyl Sulfate N
Ethylene Bromide X
Ethylene Chloride S F
Ethylene Chlorohydrin X
Ethylene Diamine N
Ethylene Dichloride X
Ethylene Glycol E
Ethylene Oxide X
Fatty Acids E
Ferric Chloride E
Ferric Nitrate E
Ferric Sulfate E
Ferrous Chloride E
Ferrous Sulfate E
Fluoboric Acid E
Fluorine X
Fluosilicic Acid E
Formaldehyde 100% F
Formaldehyde 40% E
Formic Acid S E
Freon 113 X
Freon 12 E S
Freon 22 G
Freon TF X
Freonr 11 E
Fruit Juice G
Fuel Oils E
Furan Resin X
Furfural X
Gallic Acid E
Gasoline (high-aromatic) E
Gasoline, leaded, ref. G
Gasoline, unleaded S F
Gelatin E
Glucose E
Glue, P.V.A. N
Glycerin E
Glycolic Acid E
Gold Monocyanide N
Grape Juice N
Grease N
Heptane F S
Hexane S G
Honey E
Hydraulic Oil (Petro) X
Hydraulic Oil (Synthetic) X
Hydrazine F
Hydrobromic Acid 100% S F
Hydrobromic Acid 20% E S
Hydrochloric Acid 100% F
Hydrochloric Acid 20% G S
Hydrochloric Acid 37% F
Hydrochloric Acid, Dry Gas G
Hydrocyanic Acid E
Hydrocyanic Acid (Gas 10%) E
Hydrofluoric Acid 100% S F
Hydrofluoric Acid 20% E S
Hydrofluoric Acid 50% E S
Hydrofluoric Acid 75% S F
Hydrofluosilicic Acid 100% E
Hydrofluosilicic Acid 20% E
Hydrogen Gas E
Hydrogen Peroxide 10% E
Hydrogen Peroxide 100% S G
Hydrogen Peroxide 30% S G
Hydrogen Peroxide 50% S G
Hydrogen Sulfide (aqua) S E
Hydrogen Sulfide (dry) S E
Hydroquinone E
Hydroxyacetic Acid 70% N
Ink N
Iodine F
Iodine (in alcohol) N
Iodoform N
Isooctane E S
Isopropyl Acetate S G
Isopropyl Ether N
Isotane N
Jet Fuel (JP3, JP4, JP5) S E
Kerosene G
Ketones F
Lacquer Thinners X
Lacquers X
Lactic Acid G
Lard S G
Latex E S
Lead Acetate S E
Lead Nitrate E S
Lead Sulfamate E S
Ligroin E S
Lime N
Linoleic Acid S G
Lithium Chloride E S
Lithium Hydroxide N
Lubricants S E
Lye: Ca(OH)2 Calcium Hydroxide E S
Lye: KOH Potassium Hydroxide E
Lye: NaOH Sodium Hydroxide E
Magnesium Bisulfate E S
Magnesium Carbonate E
Magnesium Chloride E S
Magnesium Hydroxide E
Magnesium Nitrate E
Magnesium Oxide N
Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salts) E
Maleic Acid E
Maleic Anhydride X
Malic Acid S E
Manganese Sulfate N
Mash N
Mayonnaise N
Melamine E
Mercuric Chloride (dilute) G
Mercuric Cyanide G
Mercurous Nitrate E
Mercury G
Methane E
Methanol (Methyl Alcohol) E S
Methyl Acetate X
Methyl Acetone N
Methyl Acrylate X
Methyl Alcohol 10% E S
Methyl Bromide F
Methyl Butyl Ketone X
Methyl Cellosolve G
Methyl Chloride X
Methyl Dichloride X
Methyl Ethyl Ketone G
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide N
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone E
Methyl Isopropyl Ketone N
Methyl Methacrylate X
Methylamine E S
Methylene Chloride S G
Milk G
Mineral Spirits G
Molasses G
Monochloroacetic acid N
Monoethanolamine G
Morpholine G S
Motor oil S E
Mustard E
Naphtha G
Naphthalene G
Natural Gas E
Nickel Chloride E
Nickel Nitrate E S
Nickel Sulfate E
Nitrating Acid (<15% HNO3) F
Nitrating Acid (>15% H2SO4) F
Nitrating Acid (S1% Acid) F
Nitrating Acid (S15% H2SO4) F
Nitric Acid (20%) E S
Nitric Acid (50%) G
Nitric Acid (5-10%) E
Nitric Acid (Concentrated) X
Nitrobenzene S G
Nitrogen Fertilizer N
Nitromethane G S
Nitrous Acid E
Nitrous Oxide X
Oils: Aniline E
Oils: Anise N
Oils: Bay N
Oils: Bone E
Oils: Castor E
Oils: Cinnamon X
Oils: Citric E
Oils: Clove N
Oils: Coconut S E
Oils: Cod Liver S E
Oils: Corn E S
Oils: Cottonseed E
Oils: Creosote F
Oils: Diesel Fuel Oil (20, 30, 40, 50) S E
Oils: Fuel Oil (1, 2, 3, 5A, 5B, 6) G
Oils: Ginger N
Oils: Hydraulic Oil (Petro) X
Oils: Hydraulic Oil (Synthetic) X
Oils: Lemon N
Oils: Linseed E
Oils: Mineral E
Oils: Olive E
Oils: Orange E
Oils: Palm N
Oils: Peanut X
Oils: Peppermint N
Oils: Pine G
Oils: Rapeseed X
Oils: Rosin E S
Oils: Sesame Seed E
Oils: Silicone E
Oils: Soybean S E
Oils: Sperm (whale) N
Oils: Tanning N
Oils: Transformer G
Oils: Turbine S G
Oleic Acid S G
Oleum 100% X
Oleum 25% X
Oxalic Acid (cold) E S
Ozone G
Palmitic Acid S G
Paraffin S E
Pentane X
Perchloric Acid F
Perchloroethylene X
Petrolatum X
Petroleum S G
Phenol (10%) S G
Phenol (Carbolic Acid) G
Phosphoric Acid (>40%) E S
Phosphoric Acid (crude) G S
Phosphoric Acid (molten) X
Phosphoric Acid (S40%) E S
Phosphoric Acid Anhydride E
Phosphorus E
Phosphorus Trichloride N
Photographic Developer E
Photographic Solutions E S
Phthalic Acid E
Phthalic Anhydride X
Picric Acid S G
Plating Solutions, Antimony Plating 130°F E
Plating Solutions, Arsenic Plating 110°F E
Plating Solutions (Brass): High-Speed Brass Bath 110°F E
Plating Solutions (Brass): Regular Brass Bath 100°F E
Plating Solutions (Bronze): Cu-Cd Bronze Bath R.T. E
Plating Solutions (Bronze): Cu-Sn Bronze Bath 160°F E
Plating Solutions (Bronze): Cu-Zn Bronze Bath 100°F E
Plating Solutions (Cadmium): Cyanide Bath 90°F E
Plating Solutions (Cadmium): Fluoborate Bath 100°F E
Plating Solutions, (Chromium): Barrel Chrome Bath 95°F E
Plating Solutions, (Chromium): Black Chrome Bath 115°F E
Plating Solutions, (Chromium): Chromic-Sulfuric Bath 130°F E
Plating Solutions, (Chromium): Fluoride Bath 130°F E
Plating Solutions, (Chromium): Fluosilicate Bath 95°F X
Plating Solutions (Copper) (Acid): Copper Fluoborate Bath 120°F E
Plating Solutions (Copper) (Acid): Copper Sulfate Bath R.T. E
Plating Solutions (Copper) (Cyanide): Copper Strike Bath 120°F E
Plating Solutions (Copper) (Cyanide): High-Speed Bath 180°F E
Plating Solutions (Copper) (Cyanide): Rochelle Salt Bath 150°F E
Plating Solutions (Copper) (Misc): Copper (Electroless) E
Plating Solutions (Copper) (Misc): Copper Pyrophosphate E
Plating Solutions (Gold): Acid 75°F E
Plating Solutions (Gold): Cyanide 150°F E
Plating Solutions (Gold): Neutral 75°F E
Plating Solutions, Indium Sulfamate Plating R.T. E
Plating Solutions (Iron): Ferrous Am Sulfate Bath 150°F E
Plating Solutions (Iron): Ferrous Chloride Bath 190°F F
Plating Solutions (Iron): Ferrous Sulfate Bath 150°F E
Plating Solutions (Iron): Fluoborate Bath 145°F E
Plating Solutions (Iron): Sulfamate 140°F E
Plating Solutions (Iron): Sulfate-Chloride Bath 160°F E
Plating Solutions, Lead Fluoborate Plating E
Plating Solutions, (Nickel): Electroless 200°F X
Plating Solutions, (Nickel): Fluoborate 100-170°F E
Plating Solutions, (Nickel): High-Chloride 130-160°F E
Plating Solutions, (Nickel): Sulfamate 100-140°F E
Plating Solutions, (Nickel): Watts Type 115-160°F E
Plating Solutions (Rhodium) 120°F E
Plating Solutions, (Silver) 80-120°F E
Plating Solutions, Tin-Fluoborate Plating 100°F E
Plating Solutions, Tin-Lead Plating 100°F E
Plating Solutions (Zinc): Acid Chloride 140°F E
Plating Solutions (Zinc): Acid Fluoborate Bath R.T. E
Plating Solutions (Zinc): Acid Sulfate Bath 150°F E
Plating Solutions (Zinc): Alkaline Cyanide Bath R.T. E
Potash (Potassium Carbonate) E
Potassium Bicarbonate E
Potassium Bromide E
Potassium Chlorate E
Potassium Chloride E
Potassium Chromate E
Potassium Cyanide Solutions E
Potassium Dichromate E
Potassium Ferricyanide E S
Potassium Ferrocyanide E
Potassium Hydroxide (Caustic Potash) E
Potassium Hypochlorite N
Potassium Iodide E S
Potassium Nitrate E
Potassium Oxalate N
Potassium Permanganate S E
Potassium Sulfate E
Potassium Sulfide E
Propane (liquefied) E
Propylene N
Propylene Glycol E S
Pyridine E S
Pyrogallic Acid E
Resorcinal E S
Rosins E S
Rum E
Rust Inhibitors E
Salad Dressings E
Salicylic Acid S E
Salt Brine (NaCl saturated) E
Sea Water E
Shellac (Bleached) E
Shellac (Orange) E
Silicone E
Silver Bromide N
Silver Nitrate S E
Soap Solutions E
Soda Ash (see Sodium Carbonate) E
Sodium Acetate E
Sodium Aluminate N
Sodium Benzoate E S
Sodium Bicarbonate E
Sodium Bisulfate E
Sodium Bisulfite E
Sodium Borate (Borax) E S
Sodium Bromide N
Sodium Carbonate E
Sodium Chlorate E
Sodium Chloride E
Sodium Chromate N
Sodium Cyanide E
Sodium Ferrocyanide E
Sodium Fluoride E
Sodium Hydrosulfite N
Sodium Hydroxide (20%) E
Sodium Hydroxide (50%) E
Sodium Hydroxide (80%) E
Sodium Hypochlorite (<20%) E
Sodium Hypochlorite (100%) G
Sodium Hyposulfate N
Sodium Metaphosphate S E
Sodium Metasilicate E
Sodium Nitrate E
Sodium Perborate E
Sodium Peroxide G
Sodium Polyphosphate E
Sodium Silicate E
Sodium Sulfate E
Sodium Sulfide E
Sodium Sulfite E S
Sodium Tetraborate N
Sodium Thiosulfate (hypo) E S
Sorghum N
Soy Sauce N
Stannic Chloride E
Stannic Fluoborate N
Stannous Chloride E
Starch E S
Stearic Acid E S
Stoddard Solvent F
Styrene N
Sugar (Liquids) E
Sulfate (Liquors) E
Sulfur Chloride S F
Sulfur Dioxide S E
Sulfur Dioxide (dry) S E
Sulfur Hexafluoride N
Sulfur Trioxide F
Sulfur Trioxide (dry) X
Sulfuric Acid (<10%) E S
Sulfuric Acid (10-75%) S E
Sulfuric Acid (75-100%) S F
Sulfuric Acid (cold concentrated) E S
Sulfuric Acid (hot concentrated) X
Sulfurous Acid E
Sulfuryl Chloride N
Tallow E S
Tannic Acid E
Tanning Liquors S E
Tartaric Acid E
Tetrachloroethane F
Tetrachloroethylene X
Tetrahydrofuran F S
Tin Salts E
Toluene (Toluol) S F
Tomato Juice E
Trichloroacetic Acid E
Trichloroethane F
Trichloroethylene S F
Trichloropropane N
Tricresylphosphate S E
Triethylamine X
Trisodium Phosphate E
Turpentine X
Urea E
Uric Acid N
Urine E
Varnish E
Vegetable Juice N
Vinegar E
Vinyl Acetate S G
Vinyl Chloride N
Water, Acid, Mine E
Water, Deionized E S
Water, Distilled E
Water, Fresh E
Water, Salt E
Weed Killers N
Whey N
Whiskey & Wines E
White Liquor (Pulp Mill) S E
White Water (Paper Mill) E
Xylene G
Zinc Chloride E
Zinc Hydrosulfite N
Zinc Sulfate E

CAUTION: Despite passing initial tests, equipment can fail if there are variations in chemical behavior caused by changes in temperature, pressure, and concentrations during handling.

To learn about the chemical compatibility of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and Teflon®, Polycarbonate (PC), resins, or Low/High Density Polyethylene (LDPE/HDPE), see the related posts below. If you have any questions, contact our expert sales team at 1-800-733-2522, via email, or the live chat on our website.

Sources:

Polypropylene Chemical Compatibility Chart

https://www.calpaclab.com/polypropylene-chemical-compatibility-chart/

Other References:

https://omnexus.specialchem.com/selection-guide/polypropylene-pp-plastic

https://www.xometry.com/resources/materials/polypropylene-vs-polyethylene/

https://www.hmcpolymers.com/storage/download/hmc-pp-chemical-resistance.pdf

https://www.dynalon.com/PublicStore/pages/Polypropylene_Properties.aspx

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