Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| saturated | D | D |
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
SS 304 is not resistant (D) to Ferric Chloride (Iron(III) Chloride) at saturated and should not be used in direct contact. The chemical is expected to cause rapid degradation, which can include dissolution, cracking, severe swelling, or complete structural failure of the material.
Application context
Ferric Chloride (Iron(III) Chloride) is commonly encountered in water disinfection and bleaching. SS 304 (Stainless steel 1.4301 (AISI 304)) is a metal typically used for vessels, heat exchangers, fittings and structural components. The compatibility between these two is therefore an important consideration for engineers and procurement teams selecting containment, transfer, or processing equipment.
Practical recommendation
SS 304 is not recommended for use with Ferric Chloride (Iron(III) Chloride). The D rating indicates that the material will suffer rapid and severe degradation, which may include cracking, dissolution, severe swelling, or complete structural failure. Using this combination risks equipment damage, leaks, and potential safety incidents. Consider using HDPE, LDPE, Polycarbonate instead, which are rated A for this chemical and offer reliable long-term performance.
Did you know?
Stainless steel 1.4301 (AISI 304) was first developed in the 1910s and remains one of the most widely used metals in chemical handling equipment.
Materials rated A or B at 20 °C
Based on the row for saturated, 20 °C.
- Thermoplastics
- HDPE A, PP A, PVC Rigid A, LDPE A, Polycarbonate A, PVC Flexible A, Polystyrene A, Polysulfone A, PMP A, SAN A
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE A
- Elastomers
- EPDM A, Viton (FPM) A, NBR A
About SS 304
Stainless steel 304 (1.4301) resists oxidising acids and most organic chemicals. Chlorides cause pitting and stress-corrosion cracking.
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.