Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| concentration not stated | D | D |
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
SAN is not resistant (D) to Benzyl Alcohol 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
Benzyl Alcohol is commonly encountered in cleaning and cosmetics production. SAN (Styrene-acrylonitrile) 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
SAN is not recommended for use with Benzyl Alcohol. 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 Acetal (POM), ECTFE/ETFE, FEP instead, which are rated A for this chemical and offer reliable long-term performance.
Did you know?
Styrene-acrylonitrile was first developed in the 1940s and remains one of the most widely used thermoplastics in chemical handling equipment.
Materials rated A or B at 20 °C
- Thermoplastics
- PVC Rigid B, Acetal (POM) A
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE A
- Elastomers
- Viton (FPM) A
- Metals
- SS 316 A, SS 304 A, Aluminium A
About SAN
Styrene-acrylonitrile resists oils and dilute acids better than polystyrene, but ketones, esters and aromatic and chlorinated solvents still attack it.
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.