Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| concentration not stated | A | C | disputed, see below |
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.
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
HDPE shows very good resistance (A) to Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) at 20 °C, meaning the material remains essentially unaffected by this chemical under standard laboratory test conditions. However, at 50 °C the resistance rating drops, indicating that temperature must be factored into the design. For heated applications, additional testing under actual service conditions is strongly recommended.
Application context
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is commonly encountered in cleaning and degreasing and electronics cleaning. HDPE (High-density polyethylene) is a thermoplastic typically used for tanks, piping, containers and liners. Since Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is flammable, material selection must also consider the risk of static charge buildup and the need for proper grounding in storage and transfer systems.
Practical recommendation
HDPE can be used with confidence for Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) containment and handling. The A rating indicates that the material shows no significant change in weight, dimensions, or mechanical properties after prolonged contact under test conditions. At elevated temperatures (50 °C), some reduction in resistance occurs, so periodic inspection is advisable for heated applications. Always verify performance under actual operating conditions before committing to a design.
Did you know?
The chemical resistance of HDPE 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
- Thermoplastics
- PP A, Nylon (PA) A, Acetal (POM) A
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE B
- Metals
- SS 316 A, SS 304 A, Aluminium A
About HDPE
High-density polyethylene resists most aqueous acids, alkalis and salt solutions. Strong oxidising acids, chlorinated solvents and aromatic hydrocarbons attack or swell it. Continuous service is usually limited to about 80 °C.
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.