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PMP and Propane: Chemical Resistance

Polymethylpentene (TPX)

Rating

Concentration20 °C50 °CRemark
liquid––
gaseousDD

Material comparison at 20 °C

Propane: Material comparison at 20 °CPMP: D (highlighted); Aluminium: A; ECTFE/ETFE: A; FEP: A; Viton (FPM): A; NBR: A.Aluminium: AECTFE/ETFE: AFEP: AViton (FPM): ANBR: ANylon (PA): APETG: AAcetal (POM): APTFE: APVC Rigid: APVDF: ASS 304: ASS 316: APP: BHDPE: CPolycarbonate: CPolysulfone: CEPDM: DLDPE: DPMP: DPMPPolystyrene: DPVC Flexible: –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

PMP is not resistant (D) to Propane at gaseous 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

Propane is commonly encountered in chemical synthesis and cleaning and degreasing. PMP (Polymethylpentene (TPX)) is a thermoplastic typically used for tanks, piping, containers and liners. Since Propane is flammable, material selection must also consider the risk of static charge buildup and the need for proper grounding in storage and transfer systems.

Practical recommendation

PMP is not recommended for use with Propane. 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 Nylon (PA), PETG, Acetal (POM) instead, which are rated A for this chemical and offer reliable long-term performance.

Did you know?

The chemical resistance of PMP depends not only on the chemical concentration but also on exposure time, mechanical stress, and the presence of other chemicals in the mixture.

Materials rated A or B at 20 °C

Based on the row for gaseous, 20 °C.

Thermoplastics
PP B, PVC Rigid A, Nylon (PA) A, Acetal (POM) A, PETG A
Fluoropolymers
PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE A
Elastomers
Viton (FPM) A, NBR A
Metals
SS 316 A, SS 304 A, Aluminium A

About PMP

Polymethylpentene (TPX) is a transparent polyolefin used for labware. It resists many acids and alkalis, while aromatic and chlorinated solvents and strong oxidisers 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.