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LDPE and Chloromethane (Methyl Chloride): Chemical Resistance

Low-density polyethylene

Rating

Concentration20 °C50 °CRemark
technical gradeB–

Material comparison at 20 °C

Chloromethane (Methyl Chloride): Material comparison at 20 °CLDPE: B (highlighted); FEP: A; Acetal (POM): A; PTFE: A; PVDF: A; SS 304: A.FEP: AAcetal (POM): APTFE: APVDF: ASS 304: ASS 316: ALDPE: BLDPEHDPE: CPolycarbonate: CAluminium: DEPDM: DViton (FPM): DNBR: DNylon (PA): DPP: DPolystyrene: DPolysulfone: DPVC Rigid: DPVC Flexible: DSAN: DECTFE/ETFE: –PETG: –PMP: –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 shows good but limited resistance (B) to Chloromethane (Methyl Chloride) at technical grade 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. The rating remains stable between 20 °C and 50 °C, which means this material can also handle moderately elevated process temperatures without additional risk.

Application context

Chloromethane (Methyl Chloride) is commonly encountered in bleaching and chemical processing. LDPE (Low-density polyethylene) is a thermoplastic typically used for tanks, piping, containers and liners. Since Chloromethane (Methyl Chloride) 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

LDPE is suitable for use with Chloromethane (Methyl Chloride) 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. For safety-critical or long-life applications, consider Acetal (POM), FEP, PTFE instead, which are rated A for this chemical.

Did you know?

The ratings shown here apply to pure Chloromethane (Methyl Chloride) 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

Based on the row for technical grade, 20 °C.

Thermoplastics
Acetal (POM) A
Fluoropolymers
PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP 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 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.