At a glance
Ratings at 20 °C.
- Rated A, very good resistance
- PTFE, PVDF, Viton (FPM), NBR, SS 316, SS 304, Aluminium, FEP, ECTFE/ETFE, Nylon (PA), Acetal (POM), Polycarbonate, Polysulfone, PETG, SAN (15)
- Rated B, good resistance
- HDPE, PP, PVC Rigid (3)
- Rated C, limited resistance
- LDPE, PMP (2)
- Rated D, not resistant
- EPDM, PVC Flexible, Polystyrene (3)
- No data in the source
- Silicone
- Rated lower at 50 °C than at 20 °C
- HDPE (B → C), PP (B → D), PVC Rigid (B → C), LDPE (C → D), Acetal (POM) (A → B), Polycarbonate (A → B), Polysulfone (A → B)
Rating profile by material family
Effect of temperature, 20 °C to 50 °C
Substance
- CAS number
- 142-82-5
- Formula
- C7H16
- Hazard symbols in the source
- F (flammable), Xn (harmful) (pre-GHS European symbols; check the current safety data sheet)
- Flammable
- yes
- Also listed as
- Heptane
- Name in the source (German)
- Heptan, n-
Resistance table
| Material | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermoplastics | |||
| HDPE | B | C | |
| LDPE | C | D | |
| PP | B | D | |
| PVC Rigid | B | C | |
| PVC Flexible | D | D | |
| PMP | C | C | |
| Polystyrene | D | D | |
| SAN | A | – | |
| Polycarbonate | A | B | |
| PETG | A | – | |
| Acetal (POM) | A | B | |
| Nylon (PA) | A | – | |
| Polysulfone | A | B | |
| Fluoropolymers | |||
| PTFE | A | A | |
| FEP | A | A | |
| PVDF | A | A | |
| ECTFE/ETFE | A | A | |
| Elastomers | |||
| EPDM | D | D | |
| Viton (FPM) | A | A | |
| NBR | A | A | |
| Metals | |||
| SS 316 | A | A | |
| SS 304 | A | A | |
| Aluminium | A | A | |
Not rated in the source, so not in the table: Silicone
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which materials resist n-Heptane at high concentrations?
The materials with an A rating (resistant) for n-Heptane at 20 °C are: PTFE, PVDF, Viton (FPM), NBR, SS 316, SS 304, Aluminium, FEP. These can generally be used in direct contact.
Which materials should be avoided with n-Heptane?
Materials rated D (not resistant) for n-Heptane are: EPDM, PVC Flexible, Polystyrene. These should not be used in contact with n-Heptane.
Does temperature affect chemical resistance to n-Heptane?
Yes. 7 of 20 tested materials show a worse rating at 50 °C than at 20 °C for n-Heptane. Materials affected include: HDPE, PP, PVC Rigid, LDPE, Acetal (POM), Polycarbonate.
Is PTFE safe for n-Heptane?
PTFE is rated A for n-Heptane at 20 °C. A rating of A means resistant, B means limited resistance, C means partly resistant, and D means not resistant.
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.
Chemicals with a similar resistance profile
Same 20 °C rating on the share of materials shown.