Summary
- PMP is rated better with
- Alcohols and glycols (+88 points); Amines and nitrogen compounds (+50 points); Ketones and aldehydes (+37 points); Esters and ethers (+32 points); Mineral acids (+30 points); Organic acids (+25 points); Oxidising agents and halogens (+20 points); Fuels, mineral oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons (+13 points)
- Within 10 points of each other
- Alkalis; Salts and salt solutions; Halogenated hydrocarbons; 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 %
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 %
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 | PMP: rated A or B |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral acids | 41 % (27 rows) | 71 % (35 rows) |
| Organic acids | 60 % (25 rows) | 85 % (26 rows) |
| Alkalis | 100 % (11 rows) | 100 % (17 rows) |
| Salts and salt solutions | 96 % (81 rows) | 100 % (67 rows) |
| Oxidising agents and halogens | 47 % (17 rows) | 67 % (30 rows) |
| Alcohols and glycols | 8 % (26 rows) | 96 % (28 rows) |
| Ketones and aldehydes | 0 % (9 rows) | 37 % (27 rows) |
| Esters and ethers | 4 % (25 rows) | 36 % (42 rows) |
| Amines and nitrogen compounds | 0 % (12 rows) | 50 % (10 rows) |
| Aromatic hydrocarbons | – | 10 % (10 rows) |
| Fuels, mineral oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons | 17 % (23 rows) | 30 % (37 rows) |
| Vegetable and animal oils, fats, essential oils | – | 29 % (14 rows) |
| Halogenated hydrocarbons | 0 % (31 rows) | 3 % (33 rows) |
| Foods and beverages | 93 % (14 rows) | 100 % (13 rows) |
Where the ratings differ most
Rows where the two ratings at 20 °C are at least two grades apart: 52 in total, the first 40 shown.
| Chemical | Concentration | PVC Flexible | PMP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Ethylhexanol | D | A | |
| Acetic Acid | 90 % | D | A |
| Allyl Alcohol | 96 % | D | A |
| Benzaldehyde | D | A | |
| Bitter Almond Oil | D | A | |
| Butanol | technical grade | D | A |
| Calcium Chloride | alcoholic solution | D | A |
| Chloroacetic Acid | D | A | |
| Cyclohexane | A | D | |
| Cyclohexanol | technical grade | D | A |
| Diisooctyl Phthalate (DOP) | technical grade | D | A |
| Ethylenediamine | technical grade | D | A |
| Hydrocyanic Acid (Hydrogen Cyanide) | aqueous | A | D |
| Iodine Tincture | D | A | |
| Isopropanol | technical grade | D | A |
| Methyl Glycol | 100 % | D | A |
| Naphtha | D | A | |
| Acetic Acid | 10 % | A | C |
| Acetic Acid | 5 % | C | A |
| Amyl Acetate | D | B | |
| Aniline | D | B | |
| Battery Acid | 38 % | C | A |
| Brake Fluid | C | A | |
| Butane | technical grade | C | A |
| Butyl Acrylate | 100 % | D | B |
| Calcium Hypochlorite | saturated | C | A |
| Castor Oil | 100 % | C | A |
| Dioxane | D | B | |
| Ethanol | 50 % | C | A |
| Ethanol | 96 % | C | A |
| Ethyl Alcohol | 50 % | C | A |
| Ethyl Alcohol | 96 % | C | A |
| Ethylene Glycol | C | A | |
| Fats, Cooking Oils | C | A | |
| Formaldehyde Solution | 10 % | C | A |
| Formaldehyde Solution | 40 % | C | A |
| Hydrochloric Acid | 35 % | C | A |
| Hydrochloric Acid | concentrated | C | A |
| Isopropyl Acetate | D | B | |
| Mercury | pure | 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 PVC Flexible or PMP more chemical-resistant?
Of 229 chemicals rated for both materials at 20 °C, PVC Flexible and PMP share the same rating in 148 rows (65 %). PVC Flexible is rated better in 10 rows and PMP in 71 rows.
How do PVC Flexible and PMP compare for chemical resistance?
Based on 229 chemicals tested for both: PVC Flexible is rated better with –. PMP is rated better with Alcohols and glycols, Amines and nitrogen compounds, Ketones and aldehydes, Esters and ethers. They perform similarly with Alkalis, Salts and salt solutions, Halogenated hydrocarbons, 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.