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LDPE and Arsenic Acid: Chemical Resistance

Low-density polyethylene

Rating

Concentration20 °C50 °CRemark
aqueous–B
concentration not stated–B

Material comparison at 20 °C

Arsenic Acid: Material comparison at 20 °CLDPE: – (highlighted); ECTFE/ETFE: A; EPDM: A; FEP: A; HDPE: A; NBR: A.ECTFE/ETFE: AEPDM: AFEP: AHDPE: ANBR: APolycarbonate: APP: APolystyrene: APTFE: APVC Rigid: APVDF: ASS 304: ASS 316: AViton (FPM): BNylon (PA): CPVC Flexible: CAluminium: DAcetal (POM): DLDPE: –LDPEPETG: –PMP: –Polysulfone: –SAN: –Silicone: –
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

LDPE shows excellent resistance to Arsenic Acid across all 2 tested concentrations (aqueous) at 20 °C, making it a reliable choice for storage, transfer, and handling applications involving this chemical at any of the tested strengths. 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

Arsenic Acid is commonly encountered in chemical processing and laboratory work. LDPE (Low-density polyethylene) is a thermoplastic typically used for tanks, piping, containers and liners. The compatibility between these two is therefore an important consideration for engineers and procurement teams selecting containment, transfer, or processing equipment.

Practical recommendation

LDPE is not recommended for use with Arsenic Acid. 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 HDPE, Polycarbonate, PP instead, which are rated A for this chemical and offer reliable long-term performance.

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

Based on the row for aqueous, 20 °C.

Thermoplastics
HDPE A, PP A, PVC Rigid A, Polycarbonate A, Polystyrene A
Fluoropolymers
PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE A
Elastomers
EPDM A, Viton (FPM) B, NBR A
Metals
SS 316 A, SS 304 A

About LDPE

Low-density polyethylene has a similar profile to HDPE but is softer and more permeable, so solvents swell it sooner. Continuous service is usually limited to about 60 °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.