Summary
- ECTFE/ETFE is rated better with
- Halogenated hydrocarbons (+90 points); Oxidising agents and halogens (+22 points); Esters and ethers (+22 points); Mineral acids (+21 points); Fuels, mineral oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons (+21 points); Ketones and aldehydes (+16 points)
- Within 10 points of each other
- Organic acids; Alkalis; Salts and salt solutions; Alcohols and glycols; Amines and nitrogen compounds; Foods and beverages
Points are the difference in the share of rows rated A or B.
The two materials
HDPE
High-density polyethylene
High-density polyethylene resists most aqueous acids, alkalis and salt solutions. Strong oxidising acids, chlorinated solvents and aromatic hydrocarbons attack or swell it. Continuous service is usually limited to about 80 °C.
Rated rows: 686. A 82 %, B 3 %, C 9 %, D 6 %
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 %
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 | HDPE: rated A or B | ECTFE/ETFE: rated A or B |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral acids | 79 % (56 rows) | 100 % (37 rows) |
| Organic acids | 95 % (58 rows) | 100 % (33 rows) |
| Alkalis | 100 % (22 rows) | 100 % (14 rows) |
| Salts and salt solutions | 100 % (193 rows) | 100 % (114 rows) |
| Oxidising agents and halogens | 78 % (40 rows) | 100 % (17 rows) |
| Alcohols and glycols | 93 % (43 rows) | 100 % (25 rows) |
| Phenols | 62 % (8 rows) | – |
| Ketones and aldehydes | 84 % (19 rows) | 100 % (14 rows) |
| Esters and ethers | 73 % (37 rows) | 95 % (20 rows) |
| Amines and nitrogen compounds | 90 % (21 rows) | 100 % (9 rows) |
| Aromatic hydrocarbons | 33 % (9 rows) | – |
| Fuels, mineral oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons | 79 % (38 rows) | 100 % (13 rows) |
| Vegetable and animal oils, fats, essential oils | 71 % (21 rows) | – |
| Halogenated hydrocarbons | 10 % (31 rows) | 100 % (16 rows) |
| Foods and beverages | 100 % (32 rows) | 100 % (26 rows) |
Where the ratings differ most
Rows where the two ratings at 20 °C are at least two grades apart: 40 in total.
| Chemical | Concentration | HDPE | ECTFE/ETFE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aqua Regia | D | A | |
| Bromine | D | A | |
| Carbon Disulfide | D | A | |
| Carbon Tetrachloride | D | A | |
| Chromic-Sulfuric Acid | concentrated | D | A |
| Fluorine | D | A | |
| Perchloroethylene (PCE) | D | A | |
| Thionyl Chloride | technical grade | D | A |
| 1,2-Dichlorobenzene | C | A | |
| 1,3-Butadiene | C | A | |
| Amyl Chloride | C | A | |
| Benzene | C | A | |
| Benzyl Alcohol | C | A | |
| Bromoform | D | B | |
| Butyric Acid | C | A | |
| Cedar Oil | C | A | |
| Chlorine | 10 % wet | C | A |
| Chlorine Water | C | A | |
| Chlorobenzene | C | A | |
| Chloroethane (Ethyl Chloride) | C | A | |
| Chromic Acid | 50 % | C | A |
| Cinnamon Oil | C | A | |
| Cresol | C | A | |
| Cyclohexane | C | A | |
| Dichloromethane | D | B | |
| Diethyl Ether | technical grade | C | A |
| Diethylbenzene | C | A | |
| Ethylene Dichloride | C | A | |
| Heating Oil | C | A | |
| Nitrobenzene | C | A | |
| Ozone | C | A | |
| Propane | gaseous | C | A |
| Propylene Oxide | A | C | |
| Sulfur Dioxide | liquid | C | A |
| Sulfuric Acid | 95 % | C | A |
| Toluene | C | A | |
| Trichloroethane | C | A | |
| Trichloroethylene (TCE) | 100 % | C | A |
| Vinylidene Chloride | D | B | |
| Xylene | C | A |
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 HDPE or ECTFE/ETFE more chemical-resistant?
Of 366 chemicals rated for both materials at 20 °C, HDPE and ECTFE/ETFE share the same rating in 292 rows (80 %). HDPE is rated better in 11 rows and ECTFE/ETFE in 63 rows.
How do HDPE and ECTFE/ETFE compare for chemical resistance?
Based on 366 chemicals tested for both: HDPE is rated better with –. ECTFE/ETFE is rated better with Halogenated hydrocarbons, Oxidising agents and halogens, Esters and ethers, Mineral acids. 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.