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PMP and Kerosene: Chemical Resistance

Polymethylpentene (TPX)

Rating

Concentration20 °C50 °CRemark
concentration not statedBC

Material comparison at 20 °C

Kerosene: Material comparison at 20 °CPMP: B (highlighted); Aluminium: A; FEP: A; Viton (FPM): A; NBR: A; Nylon (PA): A.Aluminium: AFEP: AViton (FPM): ANBR: ANylon (PA): APETG: AAcetal (POM): APTFE: APVC Rigid: APVDF: ASS 304: ASS 316: AECTFE/ETFE: BHDPE: BPMP: BPMPPolysulfone: BLDPE: CPP: CEPDM: DPolycarbonate: DPolystyrene: DPVC Flexible: –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 shows good but limited resistance (B) to Kerosene at 20 °C. The material can be used in contact with this chemical, but minor effects such as slight swelling or a small reduction in mechanical properties may occur over extended exposure periods. Regular inspection of components in service is advisable. However, at 50 °C the resistance rating drops, indicating that temperature must be factored into the design. For heated applications, additional testing under actual service conditions is strongly recommended.

Application context

Kerosene is commonly encountered in heating systems and automotive. PMP (Polymethylpentene (TPX)) 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

PMP is suitable for use with Kerosene 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. Avoid prolonged exposure at elevated temperatures, as the resistance decreases further at 50 °C. For safety-critical or long-life applications, consider Nylon (PA), PETG, Acetal (POM) instead, which are rated A for this chemical.

Did you know?

When choosing between thermoplastics for Kerosene service, engineers consider not just the resistance rating but also factors such as permeation rate, creep resistance, and weldability.

Materials rated A or B at 20 °C

Thermoplastics
HDPE B, PVC Rigid A, Nylon (PA) A, Acetal (POM) A, Polysulfone B, PETG A
Fluoropolymers
PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE B
Elastomers
Viton (FPM) A, NBR 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.