Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| concentration not stated | B | C |
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
HDPE shows good but limited resistance (B) to Ethylene Oxide 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
Ethylene Oxide is commonly encountered in electronics cleaning and coatings and paints. HDPE (High-density polyethylene) is a thermoplastic typically used for tanks, piping, containers and liners. Since Ethylene Oxide 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
HDPE is suitable for use with Ethylene Oxide 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 PETG, Acetal (POM), Polysulfone instead, which are rated A for this chemical.
Did you know?
In industrial practice, HDPE components exposed to Ethylene Oxide are typically inspected for swelling, discoloration, or loss of mechanical strength as early indicators of chemical attack.
Materials rated A or B at 20 °C
- Thermoplastics
- Acetal (POM) A, Polysulfone A, PETG A
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE A
- Metals
- SS 316 A, SS 304 A, Aluminium A
About HDPE
High-density polyethylene resists most aqueous acids, alkalis and salt solutions. Strong oxidising acids, chlorinated solvents and aromatic hydrocarbons attack or swell it. Continuous service is usually limited to about 80 °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.