Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 % | A | A | |
| 30 % | A | A | |
| 45 % | A | A | |
| 50 % | A | A | |
| 60 % | A | A | |
| concentrated | A | A |
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
LDPE shows excellent resistance to Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda) across all 6 tested concentrations (1 %, 30 %, 45 %, 50 %, 60 %, concentrated) at 20 °C, making it a reliable choice for storage, transfer, and handling applications involving this chemical at any of the tested strengths. The rating remains stable between 20 °C and 50 °C, which means this material can also handle moderately elevated process temperatures without additional risk.
Application context
Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda) is commonly encountered in cleaning and sanitation and textile processing. LDPE (Low-density polyethylene) is a thermoplastic typically used for tanks, piping, containers and liners. Because Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda) is classified as corrosive, the choice of containment material is especially critical to prevent leaks, equipment damage, and safety hazards.
Practical recommendation
LDPE can be used with confidence for Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda) containment and handling. The A rating indicates that the material shows no significant change in weight, dimensions, or mechanical properties after prolonged contact under test conditions. This holds true at both 20 °C and 50 °C, giving a good safety margin for typical process environments.
Did you know?
Temperature is often the deciding factor when selecting materials for Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda): even materials rated A at 20 °C may lose performance at elevated temperatures.
Materials rated A or B at 20 °C
Based on the row for 60 %, 20 °C.
- Thermoplastics
- HDPE A, PP A, Nylon (PA) A, Polystyrene A, Polysulfone A, PMP A
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A
- Elastomers
- EPDM A, NBR B
- Metals
- SS 316 A, SS 304 A
About LDPE
Low-density polyethylene has a similar profile to HDPE but is softer and more permeable, so solvents swell it sooner. Continuous service is usually limited to about 60 °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.