Summary
- ECTFE/ETFE is rated better with
- Mineral acids (+35 points); Oxidising agents and halogens (+21 points); Halogenated hydrocarbons (+12 points)
- Within 10 points of each other
- Organic acids; Alkalis; Salts and salt solutions; 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 %
SS 316
Stainless steel 1.4401 (AISI 316)
Stainless steel 316 (1.4401) contains molybdenum, which improves resistance to chlorides over 304. Hydrochloric acid and other halide acids still cause pitting.
Rated rows: 868. A 89 %, B 4 %, C 2 %, D 4 %
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 | SS 316: rated A or B |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral acids | 100 % (37 rows) | 65 % (60 rows) |
| Organic acids | 100 % (33 rows) | 98 % (55 rows) |
| Alkalis | 100 % (14 rows) | 100 % (22 rows) |
| Salts and salt solutions | 100 % (114 rows) | 93 % (175 rows) |
| Oxidising agents and halogens | 100 % (17 rows) | 79 % (57 rows) |
| Alcohols and glycols | 100 % (25 rows) | 100 % (58 rows) |
| Phenols | – | 100 % (11 rows) |
| Ketones and aldehydes | 100 % (14 rows) | 100 % (33 rows) |
| Esters and ethers | 95 % (20 rows) | 100 % (69 rows) |
| Amines and nitrogen compounds | 100 % (9 rows) | 95 % (38 rows) |
| Aromatic hydrocarbons | – | 100 % (14 rows) |
| Fuels, mineral oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons | 100 % (13 rows) | 100 % (76 rows) |
| Vegetable and animal oils, fats, essential oils | – | 100 % (48 rows) |
| Halogenated hydrocarbons | 100 % (16 rows) | 88 % (24 rows) |
| Foods and beverages | 100 % (26 rows) | 100 % (46 rows) |
Where the ratings differ most
Rows where the two ratings at 20 °C are at least two grades apart: 21 in total.
| Chemical | Concentration | ECTFE/ETFE | SS 316 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aqua Regia | A | D | |
| Bromine | A | D | |
| Chlorine | 10 % wet | A | D |
| Chloroacetic Acid | A | D | |
| Fluorine | A | D | |
| Hydrobromic Acid | 50 % | A | D |
| Hydrochloric Acid | 1-5 % | A | D |
| Hydrochloric Acid | 20 % | A | D |
| Hydrochloric Acid | 35 % | A | D |
| Hydrochloric Acid | concentrated | A | D |
| Hydrofluoric Acid | 50 % | A | D |
| Ferric Chloride (Iron(III) Chloride) | saturated | A | D |
| Mercury(II) Chloride | aqueous | A | D |
| Potassium Bisulfate | A | D | |
| Potassium Bisulfate | aqueous | A | D |
| Sulfuric Acid | 40 % | A | D |
| Sulfuric Acid | 80 % | A | D |
| Amyl Chloride | A | C | |
| Propylene Oxide | C | A | |
| Sodium Iodide | any concentration | A | C |
| Sulfuric Acid | 60 % | A | C |
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 SS 316 more chemical-resistant?
Of 349 chemicals rated for both materials at 20 °C, ECTFE/ETFE and SS 316 share the same rating in 293 rows (84 %). ECTFE/ETFE is rated better in 38 rows and SS 316 in 18 rows.
How do ECTFE/ETFE and SS 316 compare for chemical resistance?
Based on 349 chemicals tested for both: ECTFE/ETFE is rated better with Mineral acids, Oxidising agents and halogens, Halogenated hydrocarbons. SS 316 is rated better with –. They perform similarly with Organic acids, Alkalis, Salts and salt solutions, Alcohols and glycols.
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.