Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| technical grade | D | D |
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
Polystyrene 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 chemical processing. Polystyrene (Polystyrene) 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
Polystyrene 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?
The chemical resistance of Polystyrene depends not only on the chemical concentration but also on exposure time, mechanical stress, and the presence of other chemicals in the mixture.
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 Polystyrene
Polystyrene is attacked by most organic solvents, including ketones, esters, aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons. It is used for dilute aqueous solutions.
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.