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PVDF and Sulfur Dioxide: Chemical Resistance

Polyvinylidene fluoride

Rating

Concentration20 °C50 °CRemark
moistAD
liquidDD

Material comparison at 20 °C

Sulfur Dioxide: Material comparison at 20 °CPVDF: A (highlighted); ECTFE/ETFE: A; EPDM: A; FEP: A; HDPE: A; LDPE: A.ECTFE/ETFE: AEPDM: AFEP: AHDPE: ALDPE: APMP: APP: APTFE: APVC Rigid: APVDF: APVDFSS 304: ASS 316: APolysulfone: BAluminium: CNylon (PA): CPolycarbonate: CPolystyrene: CViton (FPM): DNBR: DAcetal (POM): DPETG: –PVC Flexible: –SAN: –Silicone: –
A very good resistanceB good resistanceC limited resistanceD not resistantno data
Each bar is one material. Taller bars indicate better resistance. The highlighted bar is the current material.

Resistance overview

The resistance of PVDF 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. 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

Sulfur Dioxide is commonly encountered in chemical processing and laboratory work. PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride) is a fluoropolymer typically used for seals, gaskets, valve seats and lined equipment. 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

PVDF 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. At elevated temperatures (50 °C), some reduction in resistance occurs, so periodic inspection is advisable for heated applications. Always verify performance under actual operating conditions before committing to a design.

Did you know?

The ratings shown here apply to pure Sulfur Dioxide in contact with the base fluoropolymer. 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 moist, 20 °C.

Thermoplastics
HDPE A, PP A, PVC Rigid A, LDPE A, Polysulfone B, PMP A
Fluoropolymers
PTFE A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE A
Elastomers
EPDM A
Metals
SS 316 A, SS 304 A

About PVDF

PVDF resists acids, halogens and hydrocarbons. Strong bases, amines, ketones and esters attack it. Service temperature is up to about 150 °C.

Rating scale

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.