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
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 %
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 | PVC Flexible: rated A or B | Silicone: rated A or B |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral acids | 41 % (27 rows) | – |
| Organic acids | 60 % (25 rows) | – |
| Alkalis | 100 % (11 rows) | – |
| Salts and salt solutions | 96 % (81 rows) | 100 % (9 rows) |
| Oxidising agents and halogens | 47 % (17 rows) | – |
| Alcohols and glycols | 8 % (26 rows) | – |
| Ketones and aldehydes | 0 % (9 rows) | – |
| Esters and ethers | 4 % (25 rows) | – |
| Amines and nitrogen compounds | 0 % (12 rows) | – |
| Fuels, mineral oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons | 17 % (23 rows) | – |
| Halogenated hydrocarbons | 0 % (31 rows) | – |
| Foods and beverages | 93 % (14 rows) | – |
Where the ratings differ most
Rows where the two ratings at 20 °C are at least two grades apart: 1 in total.
| Chemical | Concentration | PVC Flexible | Silicone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Silicone more chemical-resistant?
Of 21 chemicals rated for both materials at 20 °C, PVC Flexible and Silicone share the same rating in 20 rows (95 %). PVC Flexible is rated better in 0 rows and Silicone in 1 rows.
How do PVC Flexible and Silicone compare for chemical resistance?
Based on 21 chemicals tested for both: PVC Flexible 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.