Summary
- PMP is rated better with
- Alkalis (+82 points); Mineral acids (+39 points); Amines and nitrogen compounds (+37 points); Esters and ethers (+35 points); Organic acids (+31 points); Alcohols and glycols (+24 points); Ketones and aldehydes (+23 points)
- Polycarbonate is rated better with
- Vegetable and animal oils, fats, essential oils (+44 points); Fuels, mineral oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons (+25 points)
- Within 10 points of each other
- Salts and salt solutions; Oxidising agents and halogens; Aromatic hydrocarbons; Halogenated hydrocarbons; Foods and beverages
Points are the difference in the share of rows rated A or B.
The two materials
PMP
Polymethylpentene (TPX)
Polymethylpentene (TPX) is a transparent polyolefin used for labware. It resists many acids and alkalis, while aromatic and chlorinated solvents and strong oxidisers attack it.
Rated rows: 416. A 55 %, B 6 %, C 7 %, D 32 %
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is attacked by alkalis, amines, ketones, esters and many organic solvents, and it stress-cracks under load in contact with them.
Rated rows: 953. A 28 %, B 25 %, C 24 %, D 23 %
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 | PMP: rated A or B | Polycarbonate: rated A or B |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral acids | 71 % (35 rows) | 32 % (59 rows) |
| Organic acids | 85 % (26 rows) | 54 % (63 rows) |
| Alkalis | 100 % (17 rows) | 18 % (22 rows) |
| Salts and salt solutions | 100 % (67 rows) | 91 % (197 rows) |
| Oxidising agents and halogens | 67 % (30 rows) | 66 % (61 rows) |
| Alcohols and glycols | 96 % (28 rows) | 72 % (57 rows) |
| Phenols | – | 14 % (14 rows) |
| Ketones and aldehydes | 37 % (27 rows) | 14 % (35 rows) |
| Esters and ethers | 36 % (42 rows) | 1 % (69 rows) |
| Amines and nitrogen compounds | 50 % (10 rows) | 13 % (38 rows) |
| Aromatic hydrocarbons | 10 % (10 rows) | 0 % (14 rows) |
| Fuels, mineral oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons | 30 % (37 rows) | 55 % (75 rows) |
| Vegetable and animal oils, fats, essential oils | 29 % (14 rows) | 73 % (48 rows) |
| Halogenated hydrocarbons | 3 % (33 rows) | 0 % (70 rows) |
| Foods and beverages | 100 % (13 rows) | 91 % (46 rows) |
Where the ratings differ most
Rows where the two ratings at 20 °C are at least two grades apart: 94 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 PMP or Polycarbonate more chemical-resistant?
Of 415 chemicals rated for both materials at 20 °C, PMP and Polycarbonate share the same rating in 225 rows (54 %). PMP is rated better in 144 rows and Polycarbonate in 46 rows.
How do PMP and Polycarbonate compare for chemical resistance?
Based on 415 chemicals tested for both: PMP is rated better with Alkalis, Mineral acids, Amines and nitrogen compounds, Esters and ethers. Polycarbonate is rated better with Vegetable and animal oils, fats, essential oils, Fuels, mineral oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons. They perform similarly with Salts and salt solutions, Oxidising agents and halogens, Aromatic hydrocarbons, Halogenated hydrocarbons.
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.