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PVDF and Aqua Regia: Chemical Resistance

Polyvinylidene fluoride

Rating

Concentration20 °C50 °CRemark
concentration not statedC–

Material comparison at 20 °C

Aqua Regia: Material comparison at 20 °CPVDF: C (highlighted); ECTFE/ETFE: A; PTFE: A; FEP: B; PMP: C; SAN: C.ECTFE/ETFE: APTFE: AFEP: BPMP: CPVDF: CPVDFSAN: CAluminium: DEPDM: DViton (FPM): DHDPE: DLDPE: DNBR: DNylon (PA): DPolycarbonate: DPETG: DAcetal (POM): DPP: DPolystyrene: DPolysulfone: DPVC Rigid: DPVC Flexible: DSS 304: DSS 316: DSilicone: –
A very good resistanceB good resistanceC limited resistanceD not resistantno data
Each bar is one material. Taller bars indicate better resistance. The highlighted bar is the current material.

Resistance overview

PVDF has limited resistance (C) to Aqua Regia at 20 °C. This indicates that the chemical has a noticeable effect on the material, which may include visible swelling, softening, or a measurable loss of tensile strength. Use is generally limited to short-term or intermittent contact where full structural integrity is not required. The rating remains stable between 20 °C and 50 °C, which means this material can also handle moderately elevated process temperatures without additional risk.

Application context

Aqua Regia is commonly encountered in water treatment and chemical processing. PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride) is a fluoropolymer typically used for seals, gaskets, valve seats and lined equipment. Because Aqua Regia is classified as corrosive, the choice of containment material is especially critical to prevent leaks, equipment damage, and safety hazards.

Practical recommendation

PVDF has limited resistance to Aqua Regia and should only be used for short-term or intermittent contact at ambient temperature. The C rating means the material undergoes noticeable changes — swelling, loss of strength, or surface degradation — that make it unsuitable for permanent installations. For prolonged or continuous exposure, ECTFE/ETFE, PTFE offer significantly better resistance and are rated A.

Did you know?

Chemical resistance testing according to DIN and ISO standards typically evaluates weight change, dimensional change, and retention of tensile strength after immersion.

Materials rated A or B at 20 °C

Fluoropolymers
PTFE A, FEP B, ECTFE/ETFE A

About PVDF

PVDF resists acids, halogens and hydrocarbons. Strong bases, amines, ketones and esters attack it. Service temperature is up to about 150 °C.

Rating scale

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.