Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| concentration not stated | C | – |
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
SS 304 has limited resistance (C) to Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) at 20 °C. This indicates that the chemical has a noticeable effect on the material, which may include visible swelling, softening, or a measurable loss of tensile strength. Use is generally limited to short-term or intermittent contact where full structural integrity is not required. 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
Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) is commonly encountered in laboratory work and surface cleaning. SS 304 (Stainless steel 1.4301 (AISI 304)) is a metal typically used for vessels, heat exchangers, fittings and structural components. Because Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) is classified as corrosive, the choice of containment material is especially critical to prevent leaks, equipment damage, and safety hazards.
Practical recommendation
SS 304 has limited resistance to Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) and should only be used for short-term or intermittent contact at ambient temperature. The C rating means the material undergoes noticeable changes — swelling, loss of strength, or surface degradation — that make it unsuitable for permanent installations. For prolonged or continuous exposure, HDPE, PP, FEP offer significantly better resistance and are rated A.
Did you know?
Temperature is often the deciding factor when selecting materials for Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA): even materials rated A at 20 °C may lose performance at elevated temperatures.
Materials rated A or B at 20 °C
- Thermoplastics
- HDPE A, PP A
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP A
- Metals
- SS 316 B, Aluminium A
About SS 304
Stainless steel 304 (1.4301) resists oxidising acids and most organic chemicals. Chlorides cause pitting and stress-corrosion cracking.
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.