Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-10 % | A | A | |
| 50 % | B | D | |
| 66 % | B | D | |
| 70 % | B | D | |
| 100 % | D | D |
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
The resistance of HDPE to Nitric Acid is concentration-dependent. Across the 5 tested concentrations (1-10 %, 50 %, 66 %, 70 %, 100 %), 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
Nitric Acid is commonly encountered in water treatment and metal finishing. HDPE (High-density polyethylene) is a thermoplastic typically used for tanks, piping, containers and liners. Because Nitric Acid is classified as corrosive, the choice of containment material is especially critical to prevent leaks, equipment damage, and safety hazards.
Practical recommendation
HDPE is suitable for use with Nitric Acid under normal conditions, but some minor effects on the material are expected over time. Periodic monitoring for swelling, softening, or weight change is recommended, especially for long-service components. Avoid prolonged exposure at elevated temperatures, as the resistance decreases further at 50 °C. For safety-critical or long-life applications, consider ECTFE/ETFE, FEP, PTFE instead, which are rated A for this chemical.
Did you know?
Temperature is often the deciding factor when selecting materials for Nitric Acid: even materials rated A at 20 °C may lose performance at elevated temperatures.
Materials rated A or B at 20 °C
Based on the row for 70 %, 20 °C.
- Thermoplastics
- PMP B
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE A
- Elastomers
- Viton (FPM) B
- Metals
- SS 316 A, SS 304 A
About HDPE
High-density polyethylene resists most aqueous acids, alkalis and salt solutions. Strong oxidising acids, chlorinated solvents and aromatic hydrocarbons attack or swell it. Continuous service is usually limited to about 80 °C.
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.