Summary
- ECTFE/ETFE is rated better with
- Ketones and aldehydes (+100 points); Halogenated hydrocarbons (+100 points); Amines and nitrogen compounds (+100 points); Alcohols and glycols (+92 points); Esters and ethers (+91 points); Fuels, mineral oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons (+83 points); Mineral acids (+59 points); Oxidising agents and halogens (+53 points); Organic acids (+40 points)
- Within 10 points of each other
- Alkalis; Salts and salt solutions; Foods and beverages
Points are the difference in the share of rows rated A or B.
The two materials
PVC Flexible
Flexible (plasticised) polyvinyl chloride
Flexible PVC shares the solvent weaknesses of rigid PVC, and any liquid that extracts the plasticiser also hardens it. It is generally less resistant than rigid PVC.
Rated rows: 344. A 45 %, B 1 %, C 17 %, D 37 %
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 | PVC Flexible: rated A or B | ECTFE/ETFE: rated A or B |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral acids | 41 % (27 rows) | 100 % (37 rows) |
| Organic acids | 60 % (25 rows) | 100 % (33 rows) |
| Alkalis | 100 % (11 rows) | 100 % (14 rows) |
| Salts and salt solutions | 96 % (81 rows) | 100 % (114 rows) |
| Oxidising agents and halogens | 47 % (17 rows) | 100 % (17 rows) |
| Alcohols and glycols | 8 % (26 rows) | 100 % (25 rows) |
| Ketones and aldehydes | 0 % (9 rows) | 100 % (14 rows) |
| Esters and ethers | 4 % (25 rows) | 95 % (20 rows) |
| Amines and nitrogen compounds | 0 % (12 rows) | 100 % (9 rows) |
| Fuels, mineral oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons | 17 % (23 rows) | 100 % (13 rows) |
| Halogenated hydrocarbons | 0 % (31 rows) | 100 % (16 rows) |
| Foods and beverages | 93 % (14 rows) | 100 % (26 rows) |
Where the ratings differ most
Rows where the two ratings at 20 °C are at least two grades apart: 79 in total, the first 40 shown.
| Chemical | Concentration | PVC Flexible | ECTFE/ETFE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,2-Dichlorobenzene | D | A | |
| Acetic Acid | 90 % | D | A |
| Acetophenone | D | A | |
| Acetylene | 100 % | D | A |
| Acrylonitrile | D | A | |
| Allyl Alcohol | 96 % | D | A |
| Amyl Acetate | D | A | |
| Amyl Chloride | D | A | |
| Aqua Regia | D | A | |
| Benzaldehyde | D | A | |
| Bitter Almond Oil | D | A | |
| Bromine | D | A | |
| Butanol | technical grade | D | A |
| Butyl Acetate | 100 % | D | A |
| Butyl Acrylate | 100 % | D | A |
| Butyric Acid | D | A | |
| Carbon Disulfide | D | A | |
| Carbon Tetrachloride | D | A | |
| Chloroacetic Acid | D | A | |
| Chlorobenzene | D | A | |
| Chloroethane (Ethyl Chloride) | D | A | |
| Chromic-Sulfuric Acid | concentrated | D | A |
| Cresol | D | A | |
| Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) | D | A | |
| Diethyl Ether | technical grade | D | A |
| Dioxane | D | A | |
| Ethyl Acetate | 100 % | D | A |
| Ethylene Dichloride | D | A | |
| Iodine Tincture | D | A | |
| Isopropyl Acetate | D | A | |
| Isopropanol | technical grade | D | A |
| Methyl Glycol | 100 % | D | A |
| n-Heptane | D | A | |
| n-Hexane | D | A | |
| Nitrobenzene | D | A | |
| Perchloric Acid | 70 % | D | A |
| Perchloroethylene (PCE) | D | A | |
| Pyridine | D | A | |
| Thionyl Chloride | technical grade | D | A |
| Toluene | 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 PVC Flexible or ECTFE/ETFE more chemical-resistant?
Of 178 chemicals rated for both materials at 20 °C, PVC Flexible and ECTFE/ETFE share the same rating in 95 rows (53 %). PVC Flexible is rated better in 0 rows and ECTFE/ETFE in 83 rows.
How do PVC Flexible and ECTFE/ETFE compare for chemical resistance?
Based on 178 chemicals tested for both: PVC Flexible is rated better with –. ECTFE/ETFE is rated better with Ketones and aldehydes, Halogenated hydrocarbons, Amines and nitrogen compounds, Alcohols and glycols. They perform similarly with Alkalis, 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.