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Polysulfone and Perchloroethylene (PCE): Chemical Resistance

Polysulfone

Rating

Concentration20 °C50 °CRemark
concentration not statedDD

Material comparison at 20 °C

Perchloroethylene (PCE): Material comparison at 20 °CPolysulfone: D (highlighted); ECTFE/ETFE: A; FEP: A; Acetal (POM): A; PTFE: A; PVDF: A.ECTFE/ETFE: AFEP: AAcetal (POM): APTFE: APVDF: AViton (FPM): BAluminium: CPETG: CSAN: CEPDM: DHDPE: DLDPE: DNBR: DNylon (PA): DPolycarbonate: DPMP: DPP: DPolystyrene: DPolysulfone: DPSUPVC Rigid: DPVC Flexible: DSilicone: –SS 304: –SS 316: –
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

Polysulfone is not resistant (D) to Perchloroethylene (PCE) 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

Perchloroethylene (PCE) is commonly encountered in pulp and paper and waste treatment. Polysulfone (Polysulfone) 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

Polysulfone is not recommended for use with Perchloroethylene (PCE). 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 Acetal (POM), ECTFE/ETFE, 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 Perchloroethylene (PCE) 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
Acetal (POM) A
Fluoropolymers
PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE A
Elastomers
Viton (FPM) B

About Polysulfone

Polysulfone withstands hot water and steam. Ketones, esters and chlorinated and aromatic solvents attack it.

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.