Compatibility Rating
At 20°C (68°F)
Excellent
Excellent resistance - recommended for continuous use
At 50°C (122°F)
Excellent
Excellent resistance - recommended for continuous use
Why is PTFE resistant to Mercury?
PTFE shows excellent resistance to Mercury due to the extremely strong carbon-fluorine bonds making it virtually inert to almost all chemicals.
⚠️ When NOT to use PTFE
Avoid using PTFE (Teflon) with molten alkali metals, fluorine gas at high temperatures, and certain fluorinated compounds. It is the most chemically resistant plastic available.
Comparison Table — All Materials for Mercury
| Material | 20°C | 50°C |
|---|---|---|
| HDPE | A | A |
| LDPE | A | A |
| PP | A | A |
| PTFE | A | A |
| PVDF | A | A |
| FEP | A | A |
| ECTFE/ETFE | A | A |
| EPDM | A | A |
| Viton (FPM) | A | A |
| NBR | A | A |
| Silicone | A | A |
| SS 316 | A | A |
| SS 304 | A | A |
| Aluminium | C | C |
| PVC Rigid | A | A |
| PVC Flexible | C | NR |
| PMP | A | A |
| Polystyrene | A | A |
| SAN | A | A |
| Polycarbonate | A | A |
| PETG | A | A |
| Acetal (POM) | A | A |
| Nylon (PA) | A | NR |
| Polysulfone | A | A |
A=Excellent · B=Good · C=Fair · D=Poor · NR=No Data
🌡️ Temperature Note
Good resistance at both 20°C and 50°C. Maximum service temperature for this material is 260°C — above this, degradation risk increases significantly.
🔄 Better Alternative?
Consider: None — PTFE is the gold standard. View all materials for Mercury →
FAQ
Is PTFE resistant to Mercury?
PTFE has Excellent (A) resistance to Mercury at 20°C. Excellent resistance - recommended for continuous use.
Can I store Mercury in PTFE containers?
Yes, PTFE is rated A (Excellent) for Mercury.