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PP and Cyclohexanone: Chemical Resistance

Polypropylene

Rating

Concentration20 °C50 °CRemark
technical gradeBD

Material comparison at 20 °C

Cyclohexanone: Material comparison at 20 °CPP: B (highlighted); Aluminium: A; FEP: A; HDPE: A; Nylon (PA): A; Acetal (POM): A.Aluminium: AFEP: AHDPE: ANylon (PA): AAcetal (POM): APTFE: APVDF: ASS 304: ASS 316: APP: BPPLDPE: CPMP: CEPDM: DViton (FPM): DNBR: DPolycarbonate: DPETG: DPolystyrene: DPolysulfone: DPVC Rigid: DPVC Flexible: DSAN: DECTFE/ETFE: –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

PP shows good but limited resistance (B) to Cyclohexanone 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. 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

Cyclohexanone is commonly encountered in cleaning and degreasing and pharmaceutical manufacturing. PP (Polypropylene) is a thermoplastic typically used for tanks, piping, containers and liners. Since Cyclohexanone 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

PP is suitable for use with Cyclohexanone 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, Nylon (PA), Acetal (POM) instead, which are rated A for this chemical.

Did you know?

When choosing between thermoplastics for Cyclohexanone service, engineers consider not just the resistance rating but also factors such as permeation rate, creep resistance, and weldability.

Materials rated A or B at 20 °C

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

Thermoplastics
HDPE A, Nylon (PA) A, Acetal (POM) A
Fluoropolymers
PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP A
Metals
SS 316 A, SS 304 A, Aluminium A

About PP

Polypropylene resists most acids, alkalis and salt solutions. Concentrated oxidising acids, chlorinated solvents and aromatic hydrocarbons attack it, and it turns brittle below about 0 °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.