Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| moist | A | A | |
| liquid | D | D |
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
The resistance of LDPE to Sulfur Dioxide is concentration-dependent. Across the 2 tested concentrations (moist, liquid), the 20 °C rating ranges from A 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. 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
Sulfur Dioxide is commonly encountered in water treatment and laboratory work. LDPE (Low-density polyethylene) is a thermoplastic typically used for tanks, piping, containers and liners. Because Sulfur Dioxide 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 Sulfur Dioxide 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?
When choosing between thermoplastics for Sulfur Dioxide service, engineers consider not just the resistance rating but also factors such as permeation rate, creep resistance, and weldability.
Materials rated A or B at 20 °C
Based on the row for moist, 20 °C.
- Thermoplastics
- HDPE A, PP A, PVC Rigid A, Polysulfone B, PMP A
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE A
- Elastomers
- EPDM A
- 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.