Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| concentration not stated | D | D |
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
Polycarbonate is not resistant (D) to Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) 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
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) is commonly encountered in cleaning and degreasing and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Polycarbonate (Polycarbonate) is a thermoplastic typically used for tanks, piping, containers and liners. Since Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) is flammable, material selection must also consider the risk of static charge buildup and the need for proper grounding in storage and transfer systems.
Practical recommendation
Polycarbonate is not recommended for use with Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK). 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, Nylon (PA), FEP instead, which are rated A for this chemical and offer reliable long-term performance.
Did you know?
The ratings shown here apply to pure Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) in contact with the base thermoplastic. In real-world applications, additives, pigments, and fillers in the material can shift resistance in either direction.
Materials rated A or B at 20 °C
- Thermoplastics
- HDPE A, PP B, LDPE B, Nylon (PA) A, Acetal (POM) B
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE B
- Metals
- SS 316 A, SS 304 A, Aluminium A
About Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is attacked by alkalis, amines, ketones, esters and many organic solvents, and it stress-cracks under load in contact with them.
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.