At a glance
Ratings at 20 °C.
- Rated A, very good resistance
- PTFE, HDPE, PP, SS 316, SS 304, Aluminium, FEP, Nylon (PA), Acetal (POM) (9)
- Rated B, good resistance
- ECTFE/ETFE (1)
- Rated C, limited resistance
- PVDF, EPDM, LDPE (3)
- Rated D, not resistant
- PVC Rigid, Viton (FPM), NBR, Polycarbonate, PVC Flexible, Polystyrene, Polysulfone, PETG, PMP, SAN (10)
- No data in the source
- Silicone
- Rated lower at 50 °C than at 20 °C
- HDPE (A → C), PP (A → C), PVDF (C → D), LDPE (C → D), ECTFE/ETFE (B → C), Acetal (POM) (A → B)
Rating profile by material family
Effect of temperature, 20 °C to 50 °C
Substance
- CAS number
- 78-93-3
- Formula
- C4H8O
- Hazard symbols in the source
- F (flammable) (pre-GHS European symbols; check the current safety data sheet)
- Flammable
- yes
- Also listed as
- Butanone (MEK); Ethylmethylketone
- Name in the source (German)
- Methylethylketon (MEK)
Resistance table
| Material | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermoplastics | |||
| HDPE | A | C | disputed, see below |
| LDPE | C | D | |
| PP | A | C | |
| PVC Rigid | D | D | |
| PVC Flexible | D | D | |
| PMP | D | D | |
| Polystyrene | D | D | |
| SAN | D | D | |
| Polycarbonate | D | D | |
| PETG | D | D | |
| Acetal (POM) | A | B | |
| Nylon (PA) | A | – | |
| Polysulfone | D | D | |
| Fluoropolymers | |||
| PTFE | A | A | |
| FEP | A | A | |
| PVDF | C | D | |
| ECTFE/ETFE | B | C | |
| Elastomers | |||
| EPDM | C | – | |
| Viton (FPM) | D | D | |
| NBR | D | D | |
| Metals | |||
| SS 316 | A* | – | |
| SS 304 | A* | – | |
| Aluminium | A* | – | |
* estimated rating, given in the source without a temperature
Not rated in the source, so not in the table: Silicone
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.
Corrected and disputed values
- HDPE (concentration not stated): source value 1/3 kept, but other published charts rate it lower. The INEOS HDPE guide rates methyl ethyl ketone unsatisfactory and two charts rate it D or not recommended for continuous use; one chart rates it resistant. [1] [2] [3]
Source values use the scale 1 (very good) to 4 (not resistant); 1 = A, 4 = D.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which materials resist Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) at high concentrations?
The materials with an A rating (resistant) for Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) at 20 °C are: PTFE, HDPE, PP, SS 316, SS 304, Aluminium, FEP, Nylon (PA). These can generally be used in direct contact.
Which materials should be avoided with Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)?
Materials rated D (not resistant) for Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) are: PVC Rigid, Viton (FPM), NBR, Polycarbonate, PVC Flexible, Polystyrene, Polysulfone, PETG. These should not be used in contact with Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK).
Does temperature affect chemical resistance to Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)?
Yes. 6 of 18 tested materials show a worse rating at 50 °C than at 20 °C for Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK). Materials affected include: HDPE, PP, PVDF, LDPE, ECTFE/ETFE, Acetal (POM).
Is PTFE safe for Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)?
PTFE is rated A for Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) at 20 °C. A rating of A means resistant, B means limited resistance, C means partly resistant, and D means not resistant.
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.
Chemicals with a similar resistance profile
Same 20 °C rating on the share of materials shown.