Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 % | B | C | |
| saturated | B | C |
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
Polystyrene maintains a consistent rating of B across all 2 tested concentrations (5 %, saturated) of Resorcinol at 20 °C. The fact that the rating does not change with concentration within the tested range simplifies material selection, though the boundary conditions beyond this range remain untested. 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
Resorcinol is commonly encountered in food processing and water treatment. Polystyrene (Polystyrene) 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
Polystyrene is suitable for use with Resorcinol 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 HDPE, LDPE, PMP instead, which are rated A for this chemical.
Did you know?
The chemical resistance of Polystyrene 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 5 %, 20 °C.
- Thermoplastics
- HDPE A, PP A, PVC Rigid B, LDPE A, Polycarbonate B, PMP A
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE A
- Metals
- Aluminium B
About Polystyrene
Polystyrene is attacked by most organic solvents, including ketones, esters, aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons. It is used for dilute aqueous solutions.
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.