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PETG and Hydrochloric Acid: Chemical Resistance

Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (co-polyester)

Rating

Concentration20 °C50 °CRemark
1-5 %B*–
20 %C–
35 %D*–
concentratedD*–

* estimated rating, given in the source without a temperature

Material comparison at 20 °C

Hydrochloric Acid: Material comparison at 20 °CPETG: D (highlighted); ECTFE/ETFE: A; FEP: A; Viton (FPM): A; HDPE: A; LDPE: A.ECTFE/ETFE: AFEP: AViton (FPM): AHDPE: ALDPE: APMP: APP: APolysulfone: APTFE: APVDF: ASAN: APVC Rigid: BEPDM: CPolystyrene: CPVC Flexible: CAluminium: DNBR: DNylon (PA): DPolycarbonate: DPETG: DPETGAcetal (POM): DSS 304: DSS 316: DSilicone: –
A very good resistanceB good resistanceC limited resistanceD not resistantno data
Each bar is one material. Taller bars indicate better resistance. The highlighted bar is the current material.

Resistance overview

The resistance of PETG to Hydrochloric Acid is concentration-dependent. Across the 4 tested concentrations (1-5 %, 20 %, 35 %, concentrated), the 20 °C rating ranges from B 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. 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

Hydrochloric Acid is commonly encountered in water treatment and metal finishing. PETG (Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (co-polyester)) is a thermoplastic typically used for tanks, piping, containers and liners. Because Hydrochloric Acid is classified as corrosive, the choice of containment material is especially critical to prevent leaks, equipment damage, and safety hazards.

Practical recommendation

PETG is not recommended for use with Hydrochloric Acid. 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, LDPE, PMP instead, which are rated A for this chemical and offer reliable long-term performance.

Did you know?

Chemical resistance testing according to DIN and ISO standards typically evaluates weight change, dimensional change, and retention of tensile strength after immersion.

Materials rated A or B at 20 °C

Based on the row for 35 %, 20 °C.

Thermoplastics
HDPE A, PP A, PVC Rigid B, LDPE A, Polysulfone A, PMP A, SAN A
Fluoropolymers
PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE A
Elastomers
Viton (FPM) A

About PETG

PETG is a co-polyester for clear containers. Strong acids and alkalis and most organic solvents attack it.

Rating scale

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.