Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| aqueous | D* | – |
* estimated rating, given in the source without a temperature
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
SS 316 is not resistant (D) to Mercury(II) Chloride 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
Mercury(II) Chloride is commonly encountered in waste treatment and water disinfection. SS 316 (Stainless steel 1.4401 (AISI 316)) is a metal typically used for vessels, heat exchangers, fittings and structural components. Because Mercury(II) Chloride is classified as corrosive, the choice of containment material is especially critical to prevent leaks, equipment damage, and safety hazards.
Practical recommendation
SS 316 is not recommended for use with Mercury(II) Chloride. 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, Polycarbonate instead, which are rated A for this chemical and offer reliable long-term performance.
Did you know?
When choosing between metals for Mercury(II) Chloride 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
Based on the row for aqueous, 20 °C.
- Thermoplastics
- HDPE A, PP A, PVC Rigid A, LDPE A, Polycarbonate A, PVC Flexible A, Polystyrene A, Polysulfone A, PETG B, PMP A, SAN A
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE A
- Elastomers
- EPDM A, Viton (FPM) A, NBR A
About SS 316
Stainless steel 316 (1.4401) contains molybdenum, which improves resistance to chlorides over 304. Hydrochloric acid and other halide acids still cause pitting.
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.