When you need to see through the material — sight glasses, lab equipment, displays — chemical resistance becomes critical. These five transparent plastics vary widely in what they can handle.
A = Excellent B = Good C = Limited D = Not Recommended
Which transparent plastic has the best chemical resistance?
PMP (Polymethylpentene/TPX) offers the best balance of transparency and chemical resistance, plus it can be autoclaved. Polysulfone has excellent thermal stability and steam sterilizability. Polycarbonate has the best impact resistance but poor solvent resistance.
Can polycarbonate be used with chemicals?
Polycarbonate has limited chemical resistance. It is attacked by most solvents (acetone, MEK, toluene), strong alkalis, and many acids. It is best suited for applications where impact resistance is critical and chemical contact is minimal.
