Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 % | C | D | |
| 30 % | D | D | |
| 40 % | D | D |
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
The resistance of Polystyrene to Formaldehyde Solution is concentration-dependent. Across the 3 tested concentrations (10 %, 30 %, 40 %), the 20 °C rating ranges from C at lower concentrations to D 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
Formaldehyde Solution is commonly encountered in water treatment and de-icing. Polystyrene (Polystyrene) 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
Polystyrene is not recommended for use with Formaldehyde Solution. 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, Nylon (PA), Polycarbonate instead, which are rated A for this chemical and offer reliable long-term performance.
Did you know?
In industrial practice, Polystyrene components exposed to Formaldehyde Solution 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
Based on the row for 40 %, 20 °C.
- Thermoplastics
- HDPE A, PP A, PVC Rigid B, LDPE B, Nylon (PA) A, Acetal (POM) A, Polycarbonate A, Polysulfone B, PETG A, PMP A
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE A
- Elastomers
- EPDM A
- Metals
- SS 316 A, SS 304 A, Aluminium A
About Polystyrene
Polystyrene is attacked by most organic solvents, including ketones, esters, aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons. It is used for dilute aqueous solutions.
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.