Summary
- ECTFE/ETFE is rated better with
- Halogenated hydrocarbons (+100 points); Esters and ethers (+94 points); Amines and nitrogen compounds (+87 points); Ketones and aldehydes (+86 points); Alkalis (+82 points); Mineral acids (+68 points); Organic acids (+46 points); Fuels, mineral oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons (+45 points); Oxidising agents and halogens (+34 points); Alcohols and glycols (+28 points)
- Within 10 points of each other
- Salts and salt solutions; Foods and beverages
Points are the difference in the share of rows rated A or B.
The two materials
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 %
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 | Polycarbonate: rated A or B | ECTFE/ETFE: rated A or B |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral acids | 32 % (59 rows) | 100 % (37 rows) |
| Organic acids | 54 % (63 rows) | 100 % (33 rows) |
| Alkalis | 18 % (22 rows) | 100 % (14 rows) |
| Salts and salt solutions | 91 % (197 rows) | 100 % (114 rows) |
| Oxidising agents and halogens | 66 % (61 rows) | 100 % (17 rows) |
| Alcohols and glycols | 72 % (57 rows) | 100 % (25 rows) |
| Phenols | 14 % (14 rows) | – |
| Ketones and aldehydes | 14 % (35 rows) | 100 % (14 rows) |
| Esters and ethers | 1 % (69 rows) | 95 % (20 rows) |
| Amines and nitrogen compounds | 13 % (38 rows) | 100 % (9 rows) |
| Aromatic hydrocarbons | 0 % (14 rows) | – |
| Fuels, mineral oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons | 55 % (75 rows) | 100 % (13 rows) |
| Vegetable and animal oils, fats, essential oils | 73 % (48 rows) | – |
| Halogenated hydrocarbons | 0 % (70 rows) | 100 % (16 rows) |
| Foods and beverages | 91 % (46 rows) | 100 % (26 rows) |
Where the ratings differ most
Rows where the two ratings at 20 °C are at least two grades apart: 122 in total, the first 40 shown.
| Chemical | Concentration | Polycarbonate | ECTFE/ETFE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,2-Dichlorobenzene | D | A | |
| 1,3-Butadiene | D | A | |
| 1,4-Dichlorobenzene | D | A | |
| Acetamide | saturated | D | A |
| Acetic Acid | 90 % | D | A |
| Acetonitrile | D | A | |
| Acetophenone | D | A | |
| Acrylonitrile | D | A | |
| Alanine | D | A | |
| Ammonium Hydroxide (Ammonia Solution) | D | A | |
| Ammonium Hydroxide (Ammonia Solution) | 30 % | D | A |
| Amyl Acetate | D | A | |
| Amyl Chloride | D | A | |
| Aqua Regia | D | A | |
| Benzaldehyde | D | A | |
| Benzene | D | A | |
| Benzoic Acid | saturated | D | A |
| Benzoic Acid | aqueous | D | A |
| Benzyl Alcohol | D | A | |
| Bitter Almond Oil | D | A | |
| Bromine | D | A | |
| Butyl Acetate | 100 % | D | A |
| Butyl Acrylate | 100 % | D | A |
| Butyric Acid | D | A | |
| Calcium Hydroxide | concentrated | D | A |
| Calcium Hydroxide | aqueous | D | A |
| Carbazole | D | A | |
| Carbon Disulfide | D | A | |
| Carbon Tetrachloride | D | A | |
| Chlorine Water | D | A | |
| Chlorobenzene | D | A | |
| Chloroethane (Ethyl Chloride) | D | A | |
| Chromic-Sulfuric Acid | concentrated | D | A |
| Cresol | D | A | |
| Cumene | D | A | |
| Decahydronaphthalene | D | A | |
| Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) | D | A | |
| Diethyl Ether | technical grade | D | A |
| Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) | D | A | |
| Dioxane | D | 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 Polycarbonate or ECTFE/ETFE more chemical-resistant?
Of 369 chemicals rated for both materials at 20 °C, Polycarbonate and ECTFE/ETFE share the same rating in 166 rows (45 %). Polycarbonate is rated better in 2 rows and ECTFE/ETFE in 201 rows.
How do Polycarbonate and ECTFE/ETFE compare for chemical resistance?
Based on 369 chemicals tested for both: Polycarbonate is rated better with –. ECTFE/ETFE is rated better with Halogenated hydrocarbons, Esters and ethers, Amines and nitrogen compounds, Ketones and aldehydes. They perform similarly with Salts and salt solutions, Foods and beverages.
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.