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PMP and Hydrocyanic Acid (Hydrogen Cyanide): Chemical Resistance

Polymethylpentene (TPX)

Rating

Concentration20 °C50 °CRemark
aqueousD*–
technical grade––

* estimated rating, given in the source without a temperature

Material comparison at 20 °C

Hydrocyanic Acid (Hydrogen Cyanide): Material comparison at 20 °CPMP: D (highlighted); Aluminium: A; EPDM: A; FEP: A; Viton (FPM): A; HDPE: A.Aluminium: AEPDM: AFEP: AViton (FPM): AHDPE: ALDPE: APP: APolystyrene: APTFE: APVC Rigid: APVC Flexible: APVDF: ASS 304: ASS 316: ANBR: CNylon (PA): CPolycarbonate: DPMP: DPMPAcetal (POM): DECTFE/ETFE: –PETG: –Polysulfone: –SAN: –Silicone: –
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

PMP is not resistant (D) to Hydrocyanic Acid (Hydrogen Cyanide) at aqueous and should not be used in direct contact. The chemical is expected to cause rapid degradation, which can include dissolution, cracking, severe swelling, or complete structural failure of the material.

Application context

Hydrocyanic Acid (Hydrogen Cyanide) is commonly encountered in laboratory work and chemical processing. PMP (Polymethylpentene (TPX)) is a thermoplastic typically used for tanks, piping, containers and liners. Since Hydrocyanic Acid (Hydrogen Cyanide) is flammable, material selection must also consider the risk of static charge buildup and the need for proper grounding in storage and transfer systems.

Practical recommendation

PMP is not recommended for use with Hydrocyanic Acid (Hydrogen Cyanide). 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, PP instead, which are rated A for this chemical and offer reliable long-term performance.

Did you know?

In industrial practice, PMP components exposed to Hydrocyanic Acid (Hydrogen Cyanide) are typically inspected for swelling, discoloration, or loss of mechanical strength as early indicators of chemical attack.

Materials rated A or B at 20 °C

Based on the row for aqueous, 20 °C.

Thermoplastics
HDPE A, PP A, PVC Rigid A, LDPE A, PVC Flexible A, Polystyrene A
Fluoropolymers
PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP A
Elastomers
EPDM A, Viton (FPM) A
Metals
SS 316 A, SS 304 A, Aluminium A

About PMP

Polymethylpentene (TPX) is a transparent polyolefin used for labware. It resists many acids and alkalis, while aromatic and chlorinated solvents and strong oxidisers 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.