Summary
- ECTFE/ETFE is rated better with
- Mineral acids (+84 points); Alkalis (+76 points); Halogenated hydrocarbons (+73 points); Oxidising agents and halogens (+55 points); Salts and salt solutions (+48 points); Organic acids (+33 points)
- Within 10 points of each other
- Alcohols and glycols; Ketones and aldehydes; Esters and ethers; Amines and nitrogen compounds; Fuels, mineral oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons; Foods and beverages
Points are the difference in the share of rows rated A or B.
The two materials
ECTFE/ETFE
Ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene / ethylene tetrafluoroethylene
ECTFE and ETFE are tough fluoropolymers with broad resistance. Hot amines and some chlorinated solvents at elevated temperature are their main limits.
Rated rows: 374. A 94 %, B 6 %, C 0 %, D 0 %
Aluminium
Aluminium
Aluminium relies on a thin oxide layer. Strong acids, strong alkalis and mercury compounds destroy that layer.
Rated rows: 968. A 60 %, B 9 %, C 16 %, D 16 %
Share of rows rated A or B, by chemical class
How often the two ratings agree
Chemical classes were assigned by this site, not by the source. Mixtures and trade products without a clear class are not counted.
By chemical class
| Chemical class | ECTFE/ETFE: rated A or B | Aluminium: rated A or B |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral acids | 100 % (37 rows) | 16 % (63 rows) |
| Organic acids | 100 % (33 rows) | 67 % (64 rows) |
| Alkalis | 100 % (14 rows) | 24 % (21 rows) |
| Salts and salt solutions | 100 % (114 rows) | 52 % (194 rows) |
| Oxidising agents and halogens | 100 % (17 rows) | 45 % (62 rows) |
| Alcohols and glycols | 100 % (25 rows) | 98 % (59 rows) |
| Phenols | – | 86 % (14 rows) |
| Ketones and aldehydes | 100 % (14 rows) | 97 % (35 rows) |
| Esters and ethers | 95 % (20 rows) | 94 % (71 rows) |
| Amines and nitrogen compounds | 100 % (9 rows) | 95 % (39 rows) |
| Aromatic hydrocarbons | – | 100 % (14 rows) |
| Fuels, mineral oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons | 100 % (13 rows) | 100 % (78 rows) |
| Vegetable and animal oils, fats, essential oils | – | 100 % (48 rows) |
| Halogenated hydrocarbons | 100 % (16 rows) | 27 % (71 rows) |
| Foods and beverages | 100 % (26 rows) | 96 % (46 rows) |
Where the ratings differ most
Rows where the two ratings at 20 °C are at least two grades apart: 106 in total, the first 40 shown.
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.
More comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ECTFE/ETFE or Aluminium more chemical-resistant?
Of 373 chemicals rated for both materials at 20 °C, ECTFE/ETFE and Aluminium share the same rating in 217 rows (58 %). ECTFE/ETFE is rated better in 142 rows and Aluminium in 14 rows.
How do ECTFE/ETFE and Aluminium compare for chemical resistance?
Based on 373 chemicals tested for both: ECTFE/ETFE is rated better with Mineral acids, Alkalis, Halogenated hydrocarbons, Oxidising agents and halogens. Aluminium is rated better with –. They perform similarly with Alcohols and glycols, Ketones and aldehydes, Esters and ethers, Amines and nitrogen compounds.
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.