Summary
- Within 10 points of each other
- Salts and salt solutions
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 %
Silicone
Silicone rubber
Silicone rubber keeps its flexibility over a wide temperature range. Concentrated acids and alkalis and hydrocarbon solvents attack or swell it.
Rated rows: 23. A 96 %, B 0 %, C 0 %, 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 | HDPE: rated A or B | Silicone: rated A or B |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral acids | 79 % (56 rows) | – |
| Organic acids | 95 % (58 rows) | – |
| Alkalis | 100 % (22 rows) | – |
| Salts and salt solutions | 100 % (193 rows) | 100 % (9 rows) |
| Oxidising agents and halogens | 78 % (40 rows) | – |
| Alcohols and glycols | 93 % (43 rows) | – |
| Phenols | 62 % (8 rows) | – |
| Ketones and aldehydes | 84 % (19 rows) | – |
| Esters and ethers | 73 % (37 rows) | – |
| Amines and nitrogen compounds | 90 % (21 rows) | – |
| Aromatic hydrocarbons | 33 % (9 rows) | – |
| Fuels, mineral oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons | 79 % (38 rows) | – |
| Vegetable and animal oils, fats, essential oils | 71 % (21 rows) | – |
| Halogenated hydrocarbons | 10 % (31 rows) | – |
| Foods and beverages | 100 % (32 rows) | – |
Where the ratings differ most
No row has ratings more than one grade apart.
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 Silicone more chemical-resistant?
Of 22 chemicals rated for both materials at 20 °C, HDPE and Silicone share the same rating in 22 rows (100 %). HDPE is rated better in 0 rows and Silicone in 0 rows.
How do HDPE and Silicone compare for chemical resistance?
Based on 22 chemicals tested for both: HDPE is rated better with –. Silicone is rated better with –. They perform similarly with Salts and salt solutions.
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.