Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 % | – | – | |
| concentration not stated | B | D |
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
Polystyrene shows good but limited resistance (B) to Chloroacetic Acid at 20 °C. The material can be used in contact with this chemical, but minor effects such as slight swelling or a small reduction in mechanical properties may occur over extended exposure periods. Regular inspection of components in service is advisable. 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
Chloroacetic Acid is commonly encountered in laboratory work and surface cleaning. Polystyrene (Polystyrene) is a thermoplastic typically used for tanks, piping, containers and liners. Because Chloroacetic Acid is classified as corrosive, the choice of containment material is especially critical to prevent leaks, equipment damage, and safety hazards.
Practical recommendation
Polystyrene is suitable for use with Chloroacetic Acid under normal conditions, but some minor effects on the material are expected over time. Periodic monitoring for swelling, softening, or weight change is recommended, especially for long-service components. Avoid prolonged exposure at elevated temperatures, as the resistance decreases further at 50 °C. For safety-critical or long-life applications, consider HDPE, LDPE, PMP instead, which are rated A for this chemical.
Did you know?
Polystyrene is commonly chosen for tanks, piping, containers and liners because of its combination of chemical resistance, mechanical strength, and cost-effectiveness.
Materials rated A or B at 20 °C
Based on the row for concentration not stated, 20 °C.
- Thermoplastics
- HDPE A, PP A, LDPE A, PMP A
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE A
About Polystyrene
Polystyrene is attacked by most organic solvents, including ketones, esters, aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons. It is used for dilute aqueous solutions.
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.