Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 % | A | A | |
| 50 % | A | A | |
| 98-100 % | A | A |
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
HDPE shows excellent resistance to Formic Acid across all 3 tested concentrations (3 %, 50 %, 98-100 %) at 20 °C, making it a reliable choice for storage, transfer, and handling applications involving this chemical at any of the tested strengths. The rating remains stable between 20 °C and 50 °C, which means this material can also handle moderately elevated process temperatures without additional risk.
Application context
Formic Acid is commonly encountered in water treatment and surface cleaning. HDPE (High-density polyethylene) is a thermoplastic typically used for tanks, piping, containers and liners. Because Formic Acid is classified as corrosive, the choice of containment material is especially critical to prevent leaks, equipment damage, and safety hazards.
Practical recommendation
HDPE can be used with confidence for Formic Acid containment and handling. The A rating indicates that the material shows no significant change in weight, dimensions, or mechanical properties after prolonged contact under test conditions. This holds true at both 20 °C and 50 °C, giving a good safety margin for typical process environments.
Did you know?
High-density polyethylene was first developed in the 1950s and remains one of the most widely used thermoplastics in chemical handling equipment.
Materials rated A or B at 20 °C
Based on the row for 98-100 %, 20 °C.
- Thermoplastics
- PP A, LDPE A, PVC Flexible A, PMP 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.