At a glance
Ratings at 20 °C.
- Rated A, very good resistance
- PTFE, HDPE, SS 316, SS 304, Aluminium, FEP, Nylon (PA) (7)
- Rated B, good resistance
- PP, LDPE, ECTFE/ETFE, Acetal (POM) (4)
- Rated C, limited resistance
- PVDF, PMP (2)
- Rated D, not resistant
- PVC Rigid, EPDM, Viton (FPM), NBR, Polycarbonate, PVC Flexible, Polystyrene, Polysulfone, PETG, SAN (10)
- No data in the source
- Silicone
- Rated lower at 50 °C than at 20 °C
- HDPE (A → B), PP (B → D), LDPE (B → C), ECTFE/ETFE (B → C)
Rating profile by material family
Effect of temperature, 20 °C to 50 °C
Substance
- CAS number
- 108-10-1
- Formula
- C6H12O
- Hazard symbols in the source
- F (flammable) (pre-GHS European symbols; check the current safety data sheet)
- Flammable
- yes
- Also listed as
- Methylisobutylketone (MIBK)
- Name in the source (German)
- Isobutylmethylketon
Resistance table
| Material | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermoplastics | |||
| HDPE | A | B | disputed, see below |
| LDPE | B | C | |
| PP | B | D | |
| PVC Rigid | D | D | |
| PVC Flexible | D | D | |
| PMP | C | C | |
| Polystyrene | D | D | |
| SAN | D | D | |
| Polycarbonate | D | D | |
| PETG | D* | – | |
| Acetal (POM) | B* | – | |
| Nylon (PA) | A | – | |
| Polysulfone | D | D | |
| Fluoropolymers | |||
| PTFE | A | A | |
| FEP | A | A | |
| PVDF | C* | – | |
| ECTFE/ETFE | B | C | |
| Elastomers | |||
| EPDM | D | D | |
| Viton (FPM) | D | D | |
| NBR | D | D | |
| Metals | |||
| SS 316 | A* | – | |
| SS 304 | A* | – | |
| Aluminium | A* | – | |
* estimated rating, given in the source without a temperature
Not rated in the source, so not in the table: Silicone
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.
Corrected and disputed values
- HDPE (concentration not stated): source value 1/2 kept, but other published charts rate it lower. One chart rates methyl isobutyl ketone D on HDPE and the Nalgene table rates it fair. [1] [2]
Source values use the scale 1 (very good) to 4 (not resistant); 1 = A, 4 = D.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which materials resist Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) at high concentrations?
The materials with an A rating (resistant) for Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) at 20 °C are: PTFE, HDPE, SS 316, SS 304, Aluminium, FEP, Nylon (PA). These can generally be used in direct contact.
Which materials should be avoided with Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK)?
Materials rated D (not resistant) for Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) are: PVC Rigid, EPDM, Viton (FPM), NBR, Polycarbonate, PVC Flexible, Polystyrene, Polysulfone. These should not be used in contact with Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK).
Does temperature affect chemical resistance to Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK)?
Yes. 4 of 16 tested materials show a worse rating at 50 °C than at 20 °C for Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK). Materials affected include: HDPE, PP, LDPE, ECTFE/ETFE.
Is PTFE safe for Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK)?
PTFE is rated A for Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) at 20 °C. A rating of A means resistant, B means limited resistance, C means partly resistant, and D means not resistant.
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.
Chemicals with a similar resistance profile
Same 20 °C rating on the share of materials shown.