Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 % | C | D | |
| 30 % | D | D | |
| 45 % | D | D | |
| 50 % | D | D | |
| 60 % | D | D | |
| concentrated | D | D |
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
The resistance of Polycarbonate to Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda) is concentration-dependent. Across the 6 tested concentrations (1 %, 30 %, 45 %, 50 %, 60 %, concentrated), the 20 °C rating ranges from C 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
Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda) is commonly encountered in water treatment and pulp and paper. Polycarbonate (Polycarbonate) 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
Polycarbonate is not recommended for use with Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda). 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 HDPE, LDPE, Nylon (PA) instead, which are rated A for this chemical and offer reliable long-term performance.
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, LDPE 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 Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is attacked by alkalis, amines, ketones, esters and many organic solvents, and it stress-cracks under load in contact with them.
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.