Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| technical grade | A | C |
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
LDPE shows very good resistance (A) to Oleic Acid at technical grade at 20 °C, meaning the material remains essentially unaffected by this chemical under standard laboratory test conditions. 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
Oleic Acid is commonly encountered in surface cleaning and water treatment. LDPE (Low-density polyethylene) is a thermoplastic typically used for tanks, piping, containers and liners. The compatibility between these two is therefore an important consideration for engineers and procurement teams selecting containment, transfer, or processing equipment.
Practical recommendation
LDPE can be used with confidence for Oleic 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?
Low-density polyethylene was first developed in the 1930s and remains one of the most widely used thermoplastics in chemical handling equipment.
Materials rated A or B at 20 °C
Based on the row for technical grade, 20 °C.
- Thermoplastics
- HDPE A, PP A, PVC Rigid A, Nylon (PA) A, Acetal (POM) B, Polycarbonate A, Polystyrene A, PETG A, SAN A
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP A
- Elastomers
- Viton (FPM) B
- Metals
- SS 316 A, SS 304 A, Aluminium A
About LDPE
Low-density polyethylene has a similar profile to HDPE but is softer and more permeable, so solvents swell it sooner. Continuous service is usually limited to about 60 °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.