Summary
- ECTFE/ETFE is rated better with
- Halogenated hydrocarbons (+95 points); Esters and ethers (+95 points); Ketones and aldehydes (+79 points); Amines and nitrogen compounds (+44 points); Mineral acids (+39 points); Alcohols and glycols (+30 points); Oxidising agents and halogens (+27 points); Organic acids (+21 points); Fuels, mineral oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons (+21 points); Foods and beverages (+18 points)
- Within 10 points of each other
- Alkalis; Salts and salt solutions
Points are the difference in the share of rows rated A or B.
The two materials
SAN
Styrene-acrylonitrile
Styrene-acrylonitrile resists oils and dilute acids better than polystyrene, but ketones, esters and aromatic and chlorinated solvents still attack it.
Rated rows: 364. A 67 %, B 0 %, C 9 %, D 24 %
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 | SAN: rated A or B | ECTFE/ETFE: rated A or B |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral acids | 61 % (18 rows) | 100 % (37 rows) |
| Organic acids | 79 % (24 rows) | 100 % (33 rows) |
| Alkalis | 100 % (8 rows) | 100 % (14 rows) |
| Salts and salt solutions | 100 % (80 rows) | 100 % (114 rows) |
| Oxidising agents and halogens | 73 % (26 rows) | 100 % (17 rows) |
| Alcohols and glycols | 70 % (33 rows) | 100 % (25 rows) |
| Phenols | 25 % (8 rows) | – |
| Ketones and aldehydes | 21 % (19 rows) | 100 % (14 rows) |
| Esters and ethers | 0 % (19 rows) | 95 % (20 rows) |
| Amines and nitrogen compounds | 56 % (9 rows) | 100 % (9 rows) |
| Fuels, mineral oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons | 79 % (24 rows) | 100 % (13 rows) |
| Vegetable and animal oils, fats, essential oils | 68 % (22 rows) | – |
| Halogenated hydrocarbons | 5 % (20 rows) | 100 % (16 rows) |
| Foods and beverages | 82 % (22 rows) | 100 % (26 rows) |
Where the ratings differ most
Rows where the two ratings at 20 °C are at least two grades apart: 59 in total, the first 40 shown.
| Chemical | Concentration | SAN | ECTFE/ETFE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,2-Dichlorobenzene | D | A | |
| Acetic Acid | 90 % | D | A |
| Allyl Alcohol | 96 % | D | A |
| Amyl Acetate | D | A | |
| Benzyl Acetate | D | A | |
| Benzyl Alcohol | D | A | |
| Bromine | D | A | |
| Butyl Acetate | 100 % | D | A |
| Butyl Acrylate | 100 % | D | A |
| Butyric Acid | D | A | |
| Carbazole | D | A | |
| Carbon Disulfide | D | A | |
| Carbon Tetrachloride | D | A | |
| Chlorine | 10 % wet | D | A |
| Chlorobenzene | D | A | |
| Chloroethane (Ethyl Chloride) | D | A | |
| Chromic-Sulfuric Acid | concentrated | D | A |
| Diethyl Ether | technical grade | D | A |
| Dioxane | D | A | |
| Ethyl Acetate | 100 % | D | A |
| Ethyl Benzoate | D | A | |
| Ethylene Dichloride | D | A | |
| Fluorine | D | A | |
| Methyl Propyl Ketone (2-Pentanone) | D | A | |
| Nitrobenzene | D | A | |
| Phenol | 100 % | D | A |
| Pyridine | D | A | |
| Sulfuric Acid | 95 % | D | A |
| Thionyl Chloride | technical grade | D | A |
| Toluene | D | A | |
| Trichloroethane | D | A | |
| Xylene | D | A | |
| Acetaldehyde | 40 % | D | B |
| Acetaldehyde | technical grade | D | B |
| Acetone | D | B | |
| Acetylene | 100 % | C | A |
| Aqua Regia | C | A | |
| Chlorine Water | C | A | |
| Chloroacetic Acid | C | A | |
| Chloroform | 100 % | D | B |
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 SAN or ECTFE/ETFE more chemical-resistant?
Of 195 chemicals rated for both materials at 20 °C, SAN and ECTFE/ETFE share the same rating in 133 rows (68 %). SAN is rated better in 1 rows and ECTFE/ETFE in 61 rows.
How do SAN and ECTFE/ETFE compare for chemical resistance?
Based on 195 chemicals tested for both: SAN is rated better with –. ECTFE/ETFE is rated better with Halogenated hydrocarbons, Esters and ethers, Ketones and aldehydes, Amines and nitrogen compounds. They perform similarly with Alkalis, 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.