Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-10 % | A | A | |
| 50 % | A | B | |
| 66 % | A | B | |
| 70 % | A | B | |
| 100 % | C | C |
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
The resistance of SS 316 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 C 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 laboratory work and water treatment. SS 316 (Stainless steel 1.4401 (AISI 316)) is a metal typically used for vessels, heat exchangers, fittings and structural components. 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
SS 316 can be used with confidence for Nitric Acid containment and handling. The A rating indicates that the material shows no significant change in weight, dimensions, or mechanical properties after prolonged contact under test conditions. At elevated temperatures (50 °C), some reduction in resistance occurs, so periodic inspection is advisable for heated applications. Always verify performance under actual operating conditions before committing to a design.
Did you know?
Stainless steel 1.4401 (AISI 316) was first developed in the 1920s and remains one of the most widely used metals in chemical handling equipment.
Materials rated A or B at 20 °C
Based on the row for 70 %, 20 °C.
- Thermoplastics
- HDPE B, PMP B
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE A
- Elastomers
- Viton (FPM) B
- Metals
- SS 304 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.