Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37 % | C* | – | |
| 70 % | C* | – |
* estimated rating, given in the source without a temperature
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
Acetal (POM) maintains a consistent rating of C across all 2 tested concentrations (37 %, 70 %) of Glycolic Acid 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. 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
Glycolic Acid is commonly encountered in metal finishing and laboratory work. Acetal (POM) (Polyoxymethylene (acetal)) 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
Acetal (POM) has limited resistance to Glycolic Acid 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, HDPE, LDPE, PP offer significantly better resistance and are rated A.
Did you know?
Polyoxymethylene (acetal) 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 70 %, 20 °C.
- Thermoplastics
- HDPE A, PP A, LDPE A, Polycarbonate B
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, PVDF B, FEP A
- Elastomers
- EPDM A, NBR B
- Metals
- SS 316 A, SS 304 A, Aluminium B
About Acetal (POM)
Acetal (POM) resists many organic solvents and fuels. Strong acids and oxidising agents degrade it.
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.