Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-6 % | A | B | |
| 20 % | B | C | |
| 40 % | D | D | corrected, see below |
| 60 % | C | D | |
| 80 % | D | D | corrected, see below |
| 95 % | A | C | |
| fuming | A | A |
Corrected and disputed values
- SS 316 (40 %): source value 2/3, shown as 4/4. Neither 304 nor 316 resists sulfuric acid of intermediate concentration: the British Stainless Steel Association limits 304 to about 5 % and 316 to about 22 % at room temperature. The source rates both B. [1] [2]
- SS 316 (80 %): source value 2/3, shown as 4/4. Neither 304 nor 316 resists sulfuric acid of intermediate concentration: the British Stainless Steel Association limits 304 to about 5 % and 316 to about 22 % at room temperature. The source rates both B. [1] [2]
Source values use the scale 1 (very good) to 4 (not resistant); 1 = A, 4 = D.
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
The resistance of SS 316 to Sulfuric Acid is concentration-dependent. Across the 7 tested concentrations (1-6 %, 20 %, 40 %, 60 %, 80 %, 95 %, fuming), 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
Sulfuric Acid is commonly encountered in chemical processing and laboratory work. SS 316 (Stainless steel 1.4401 (AISI 316)) is a metal typically used for vessels, heat exchangers, fittings and structural components. 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
SS 316 can be used with confidence for Sulfuric Acid 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 Sulfuric Acid in contact with the base metal. 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 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 304 A
About SS 316
Stainless steel 316 (1.4401) contains molybdenum, which improves resistance to chlorides over 304. Hydrochloric acid and other halide acids still cause pitting.
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.