Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12,5 % Cl | B | C | |
| 15 % | B | C | |
| dilute | B | C | |
| saturated | B | C |
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
LDPE maintains a consistent rating of B across all 4 tested concentrations (12,5 % Cl, 15 %, dilute, saturated) of Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach) 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
Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach) is commonly encountered in pulp and paper and chemical processing. LDPE (Low-density polyethylene) is a thermoplastic typically used for tanks, piping, containers and liners. Because Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach) is classified as corrosive, the choice of containment material is especially critical to prevent leaks, equipment damage, and safety hazards.
Practical recommendation
LDPE is suitable for use with Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach) 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 PMP, Polystyrene, Polysulfone instead, which are rated A for this chemical.
Did you know?
Temperature is often the deciding factor when selecting materials for Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach): 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 15 %, 20 °C.
- Thermoplastics
- HDPE B, PP B, PVC Rigid A, Polycarbonate B, Polystyrene A, Polysulfone A, PMP A, SAN A
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE A
- Elastomers
- Viton (FPM) A
- Metals
- SS 316 B
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.