Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37 % | A | – | |
| 70 % | B* | – |
* estimated rating, given in the source without a temperature
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
The resistance of Aluminium to Glycolic Acid is concentration-dependent. Across the 2 tested concentrations (37 %, 70 %), the 20 °C rating ranges from A at lower concentrations to B at higher ones. This means engineers must verify which concentration their process actually involves before relying on a single rating. 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 water treatment and surface cleaning. Aluminium (Aluminium) 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
Aluminium is suitable for use with Glycolic Acid 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. For safety-critical or long-life applications, consider HDPE, LDPE, PP instead, which are rated A for this chemical.
Did you know?
The ratings shown here apply to pure Glycolic Acid in contact with the base metal. In real-world applications, additives, pigments, and fillers in the material can shift resistance in either direction.
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
About Aluminium
Aluminium relies on a thin oxide layer. Strong acids, strong alkalis and mercury compounds destroy that layer.
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.