Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 % wet | C | D | |
| 97 % | D | D |
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
The resistance of LDPE to Chlorine is concentration-dependent. Across the 2 tested concentrations (10 % wet, 97 %), the 20 °C rating ranges from C at lower concentrations to D at higher ones. This means engineers must verify which concentration their process actually involves before relying on a single rating. 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
Chlorine is commonly encountered in chemical processing and pulp and paper. 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. 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 FEP, PTFE, PVDF instead, which are rated A for this chemical and offer reliable long-term performance.
Did you know?
Temperature is often the deciding factor when selecting materials for Chlorine: even materials rated A at 20 °C may lose performance at elevated temperatures.
Materials rated A or B at 20 °C
Based on the row for 97 %, 20 °C.
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP A
- Elastomers
- Viton (FPM) 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 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.