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LDPE and Chlorine Water: Chemical Resistance

Low-density polyethylene

Rating

Concentration20 °C50 °CRemark
concentration not stated–D

Material comparison at 20 °C

Chlorine Water: Material comparison at 20 °CLDPE: – (highlighted); ECTFE/ETFE: A; FEP: A; Viton (FPM): A; PTFE: A; PVDF: A.ECTFE/ETFE: AFEP: AViton (FPM): APTFE: APVDF: ASS 304: BSS 316: BEPDM: CHDPE: CPP: CPVC Rigid: CPVC Flexible: CSAN: CAluminium: DNBR: DNylon (PA): DPolycarbonate: DPETG: DPMP: DAcetal (POM): DPolystyrene: DLDPE: –LDPEPolysulfone: –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 is not resistant (D) to Chlorine Water 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

Chlorine Water is commonly encountered in pulp and paper and waste treatment. 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 Chlorine Water. 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 ECTFE/ETFE, FEP, PTFE instead, which are rated A for this chemical and offer reliable long-term performance.

Did you know?

The ratings shown here apply to pure Chlorine Water in contact with the base thermoplastic. In real-world applications, additives, pigments, and fillers in the material can shift resistance in either direction.

Materials rated A or B at 20 °C

Fluoropolymers
PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE A
Elastomers
Viton (FPM) A
Metals
SS 316 B, SS 304 B

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.