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PVDF and Oleum (Fuming Sulfuric Acid): Chemical Resistance

Polyvinylidene fluoride

Rating

Concentration20 °C50 °CRemark
10 % SO3DD

Material comparison at 20 °C

Oleum (Fuming Sulfuric Acid): Material comparison at 20 °CPVDF: D (highlighted); Aluminium: A; FEP: A; Viton (FPM): A; PTFE: A; SS 304: A.Aluminium: AFEP: AViton (FPM): APTFE: ASS 304: ASS 316: AEPDM: DHDPE: DLDPE: DNBR: DNylon (PA): DPolycarbonate: DPETG: DPMP: DAcetal (POM): DPP: DPolystyrene: DPolysulfone: DPVC Rigid: DPVC Flexible: DPVDF: DPVDFECTFE/ETFE: –SAN: –Silicone: –
A very good resistanceB good resistanceC limited resistanceD not resistantno data
Each bar is one material. Taller bars indicate better resistance. The highlighted bar is the current material.

Resistance overview

PVDF is not resistant (D) to Oleum (Fuming Sulfuric Acid) at 10 % SO3 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

Oleum (Fuming Sulfuric Acid) is commonly encountered in chemical processing and water treatment. PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride) is a fluoropolymer typically used for seals, gaskets, valve seats and lined equipment. Because Oleum (Fuming Sulfuric Acid) is classified as corrosive, the choice of containment material is especially critical to prevent leaks, equipment damage, and safety hazards.

Practical recommendation

PVDF is not recommended for use with Oleum (Fuming Sulfuric Acid). 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 FEP, PTFE, Viton (FPM) instead, which are rated A for this chemical and offer reliable long-term performance.

Did you know?

Polyvinylidene fluoride is commonly chosen for seals, gaskets, valve seats and lined equipment because of its combination of chemical resistance, mechanical strength, and cost-effectiveness.

Materials rated A or B at 20 °C

Based on the row for 10 % SO3, 20 °C.

Fluoropolymers
PTFE A, FEP A
Elastomers
Viton (FPM) A
Metals
SS 316 A, SS 304 A, Aluminium A

About PVDF

PVDF resists acids, halogens and hydrocarbons. Strong bases, amines, ketones and esters attack it. Service temperature is up to about 150 °C.

Rating scale

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.