Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| liquid | A | – | |
| gaseous | B | D |
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
The resistance of PP to Propane is concentration-dependent. Across the 2 tested concentrations (liquid, gaseous), the 20 °C rating ranges from A at lower concentrations to D 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
Propane is commonly encountered in chemical synthesis and pharmaceutical manufacturing. PP (Polypropylene) 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
PP is suitable for use with Propane under normal conditions, but some minor effects on the material are expected over time. Periodic monitoring for swelling, softening, or weight change is recommended, especially for long-service components. Avoid prolonged exposure at elevated temperatures, as the resistance decreases further at 50 °C. For safety-critical or long-life applications, consider Nylon (PA), PETG, Acetal (POM) instead, which are rated A for this chemical.
Did you know?
Polypropylene was first developed in the 1950s 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 gaseous, 20 °C.
- Thermoplastics
- 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 PP
Polypropylene resists most acids, alkalis and salt solutions. Concentrated oxidising acids, chlorinated solvents and aromatic hydrocarbons attack it, and it turns brittle below about 0 °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.