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PMP and Chromic Acid: Chemical Resistance

Polymethylpentene (TPX)

Rating

Concentration20 °C50 °CRemark
10 %AA
20 %––
50 %BC

Material comparison at 20 °C

Chromic Acid: Material comparison at 20 °CPMP: B (highlighted); ECTFE/ETFE: A; FEP: A; Viton (FPM): A; PTFE: A; PVC Rigid: A.ECTFE/ETFE: AFEP: AViton (FPM): APTFE: APVC Rigid: APVC Flexible: APVDF: APMP: BPMPSS 304: BSS 316: BAluminium: CHDPE: CLDPE: CPolycarbonate: CPP: CPolystyrene: CSAN: CEPDM: DNBR: DNylon (PA): DPETG: DAcetal (POM): DPolysulfone: DSilicone: –
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

The resistance of PMP to Chromic Acid is concentration-dependent. Across the 2 tested concentrations (10 %, 50 %), the 20 °C rating ranges from A at lower concentrations to C 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

Chromic Acid is commonly encountered in chemical processing and surface cleaning. PMP (Polymethylpentene (TPX)) is a thermoplastic typically used for tanks, piping, containers and liners. Because Chromic Acid is classified as corrosive, the choice of containment material is especially critical to prevent leaks, equipment damage, and safety hazards.

Practical recommendation

PMP is suitable for use with Chromic 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 PVC Rigid, PVC Flexible, ECTFE/ETFE instead, which are rated A for this chemical.

Did you know?

Polymethylpentene (TPX) 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 50 %, 20 °C.

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

About PMP

Polymethylpentene (TPX) is a transparent polyolefin used for labware. It resists many acids and alkalis, while aromatic and chlorinated solvents and strong oxidisers attack it.

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.