Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12,5 % Cl | B | C | |
| 15 % | B | C | |
| dilute | C* | – | |
| saturated | B | C |
* estimated rating, given in the source without a temperature
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
The resistance of Polycarbonate to Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach) is concentration-dependent. Across the 4 tested concentrations (12,5 % Cl, 15 %, dilute, saturated), the 20 °C rating ranges from B at lower concentrations to C 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 Hypochlorite (Bleach) is commonly encountered in pulp and paper and chemical processing. Polycarbonate (Polycarbonate) 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
Polycarbonate 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?
The ratings shown here apply to pure Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach) in contact with the base thermoplastic. In real-world applications, additives, pigments, and fillers in the material can shift resistance in either direction.
Materials rated A or B at 20 °C
Based on the row for 15 %, 20 °C.
- Thermoplastics
- HDPE B, PP B, PVC Rigid A, LDPE 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 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.