Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-6 % | A | A | |
| 20 % | – | – | |
| 40 % | A | A | |
| 60 % | – | – | |
| 80 % | – | – | |
| 95 % | D | D | |
| fuming | – | – |
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
The resistance of SAN to Sulfuric Acid is concentration-dependent. Across the 3 tested concentrations (1-6 %, 40 %, 95 %), 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
Sulfuric Acid is commonly encountered in metal finishing and chemical processing. SAN (Styrene-acrylonitrile) is a thermoplastic typically used for tanks, piping, containers and liners. Because Sulfuric Acid is classified as corrosive, the choice of containment material is especially critical to prevent leaks, equipment damage, and safety hazards.
Practical recommendation
SAN is not recommended for use with Sulfuric Acid. 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 ECTFE/ETFE, FEP, PTFE instead, which are rated A for this chemical and offer reliable long-term performance.
Did you know?
The chemical resistance of SAN depends not only on the chemical concentration but also on exposure time, mechanical stress, and the presence of other chemicals in the mixture.
Materials rated A or B at 20 °C
Based on the row for 95 %, 20 °C.
- Thermoplastics
- PVC Rigid B, PMP B
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE A
- Elastomers
- Viton (FPM) A
- Metals
- SS 316 A, SS 304 A
About SAN
Styrene-acrylonitrile resists oils and dilute acids better than polystyrene, but ketones, esters and aromatic and chlorinated solvents still attack it.
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.