Engineering plastics are selected for their mechanical properties — wear resistance, stiffness, dimensional stability — but chemical compatibility can make or break a design. This chart shows where each material excels and fails.
A = Excellent B = Good C = Limited D = Not Recommended
Is Nylon or Acetal better for chemical resistance?
They have similar overall resistance (412 vs 389 A-ratings) but different profiles. Nylon resists hydrocarbons and most solvents well but absorbs water and is attacked by strong acids. Acetal resists solvents and fuels but is attacked by strong acids and oxidizers. Choose based on the specific chemicals in your application.
Can Polystyrene be used with chemicals?
Polystyrene has poor chemical resistance overall (229 A-ratings). It is dissolved by most organic solvents and is best suited for disposable lab items, packaging, and low-demand applications where cost is the priority.
