Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| technical grade | C | D | |
| concentration not stated | C | D |
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
LDPE maintains a consistent rating of C across all 2 tested concentrations (technical grade) of Dichlorodifluoromethane (R-12) at 20 °C. The fact that the rating does not change with concentration within the tested range simplifies material selection, though the boundary conditions beyond this range remain untested. 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
Dichlorodifluoromethane (R-12) is commonly encountered in water disinfection and bleaching. 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 has limited resistance to Dichlorodifluoromethane (R-12) and should only be used for short-term or intermittent contact at ambient temperature. The C rating means the material undergoes noticeable changes — swelling, loss of strength, or surface degradation — that make it unsuitable for permanent installations. For prolonged or continuous exposure, Nylon (PA), Acetal (POM), Polysulfone offer significantly better resistance and are rated A.
Did you know?
Chemical resistance testing according to DIN and ISO standards typically evaluates weight change, dimensional change, and retention of tensile strength after immersion.
Materials rated A or B at 20 °C
Based on the row for technical grade, 20 °C.
- Thermoplastics
- PVC Rigid B, Nylon (PA) A, Acetal (POM) A, Polysulfone A
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE 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.