Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| technical grade | D | D |
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
HDPE is not resistant (D) to Acetic Anhydride at technical grade and should not be used in direct contact. The chemical is expected to cause rapid degradation, which can include dissolution, cracking, severe swelling, or complete structural failure of the material.
Application context
Acetic Anhydride is commonly encountered in laboratory work and surface cleaning. HDPE (High-density polyethylene) is a thermoplastic typically used for tanks, piping, containers and liners. Because Acetic Anhydride is classified as corrosive, the choice of containment material is especially critical to prevent leaks, equipment damage, and safety hazards.
Practical recommendation
HDPE is not recommended for use with Acetic Anhydride. The D rating indicates that the material will suffer rapid and severe degradation, which may include cracking, dissolution, severe swelling, or complete structural failure. Using this combination risks equipment damage, leaks, and potential safety incidents. Consider using PP, FEP, PTFE instead, which are rated A for this chemical and offer reliable long-term performance.
Did you know?
Temperature is often the deciding factor when selecting materials for Acetic Anhydride: even materials rated A at 20 °C may lose performance at elevated temperatures.
Materials rated A or B at 20 °C
Based on the row for technical grade, 20 °C.
- Thermoplastics
- PP A, Acetal (POM) B
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, FEP A
- Metals
- SS 316 A, SS 304 A, Aluminium B
About HDPE
High-density polyethylene resists most aqueous acids, alkalis and salt solutions. Strong oxidising acids, chlorinated solvents and aromatic hydrocarbons attack or swell it. Continuous service is usually limited to about 80 °C.
Rating scale
- A very good resistance
- B good resistance
- C limited resistance
- D not resistant
- – no data
- K no general statement possible
A rating marked * is an estimate in the source, not a test result. An estimate is given as one value without a temperature.
About this data
The ratings come from the chemical resistance list published by Bürkle GmbH, which compiled them from raw-material manufacturers’ data. They describe laboratory tests on the raw material at 20 °C and 50 °C.
A finished part also sees pressure, mechanical stress, welds and mixtures that a laboratory test does not. Treat the rating as a first filter and test under your own conditions before relying on it.