Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 % | B* | – | |
| 80 % | A | D | |
| 85 % | A | D |
* estimated rating, given in the source without a temperature
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
The resistance of NBR to Lactic Acid is concentration-dependent. Across the 3 tested concentrations (3 %, 80 %, 85 %), the 20 °C rating ranges from A 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. 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
Lactic Acid is commonly encountered in water treatment and surface cleaning. NBR (Nitrile butadiene rubber) is an elastomer typically used for seals, O-rings, hoses and flexible connections. Because Lactic Acid is classified as corrosive, the choice of containment material is especially critical to prevent leaks, equipment damage, and safety hazards.
Practical recommendation
NBR can be used with confidence for Lactic Acid containment and handling. The A rating indicates that the material shows no significant change in weight, dimensions, or mechanical properties after prolonged contact under test conditions. At elevated temperatures (50 °C), some reduction in resistance occurs, so periodic inspection is advisable for heated applications. Always verify performance under actual operating conditions before committing to a design.
Did you know?
The chemical resistance of NBR depends not only on the chemical concentration but also on exposure time, mechanical stress, and the presence of other chemicals in the mixture.
Materials rated A or B at 20 °C
Based on the row for 85 %, 20 °C.
- Thermoplastics
- HDPE A, PP A, PVC Rigid B, LDPE A, Polycarbonate A, PVC Flexible B, Polystyrene B, Polysulfone A, PMP A, SAN A
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE A
- Elastomers
- Viton (FPM) A
- Metals
- SS 316 A, SS 304 A, Aluminium A
About NBR
Nitrile rubber resists mineral oils and fuels. Ketones, esters, chlorinated solvents, strong oxidisers and ozone attack it.
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.