The short answer
For the broadest chemical resistance, use PTFE, PFA or FEP. For most acids and bases at low cost, use polypropylene or polyethylene. For strength plus chemical resistance at higher temperatures, use PVDF, PPS or PEEK. Avoid amorphous plastics such as PC and ABS around solvents.
No plastic resists everything at every temperature. The right choice depends on the exact chemical, its concentration, the temperature, how long the part is exposed and how much stress it carries.
General chemical resistance at room temperature
| Plastic | Dilute acids | Strong oxidizing acids | Bases | Aromatic and chlorinated solvents | Ketones |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PTFE, PFA, FEP | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| PVDF | Excellent | Excellent | Fair | Good | Fair to poor |
| PPS | Excellent | Poor | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| PEEK | Excellent | Fair to poor | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Polypropylene / polyethylene | Excellent | Fair to poor | Excellent | Fair to poor | Good |
| Rigid PVC | Excellent | Fair | Excellent | Poor | Poor |
| Acetal (copolymer) | Fair | Poor | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Nylon | Poor | Poor | Good | Good | Good |
| Polycarbonate | Good | Poor | Poor | Poor | Poor |
| ABS | Good | Poor | Good | Poor | Poor |
General guidance for unfilled grades at about 20°C. Resistance drops with higher temperature, concentration and stress. Always confirm with the specific grade and, ideally, an immersion test under real conditions.
What changes the answer
- Temperature: the biggest factor; ratings fall quickly as temperature rises.
- Concentration: dilute and concentrated forms of the same chemical can behave very differently.
- Stress: molded-in or applied stress can cause cracking in chemicals that would otherwise be harmless.
- Structure: semi-crystalline plastics (PE, PP, PPS, PEEK, acetal, nylon) generally resist solvents better than amorphous ones (PC, ABS, acrylic).
- Fillers and additives: glass fibers can be attacked at the surface by some chemicals, and plasticizers can leach out.
How to choose
- List every chemical, including cleaners, with concentrations.
- Note the temperature range and exposure time: splash, intermittent or constant.
- Note the load: stressed parts need more margin.
- Shortlist from the table, then check the producer's chemical resistance data for the grade.
- Test parts in the real chemicals at the real temperature.
See also environmental stress cracking, PVDF vs. PTFE and the resin selection guide.
Grades we source
We source chemical-resistant resins including polypropylene, polyethylene, PVC, PVDF, PPS, PEEK and fluoropolymers, with a COA on every lot, tested to ASTM or ISO methods. See fluoropolymers, PPS and polypropylene.
Common questions
What is the most chemical-resistant plastic?
PTFE and the other fully fluorinated plastics (PFA, FEP) resist almost all chemicals. Among lower-cost options, polypropylene and polyethylene resist most acids, bases and water-based chemicals very well.
What plastic is resistant to acids?
Polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, PVDF and fluoropolymers handle most acids. Strong oxidizing acids, such as concentrated nitric or sulfuric acid, narrow the list to PVDF and fluoropolymers.
What plastic is resistant to solvents?
Fluoropolymers, PPS and PEEK resist most organic solvents. Polyolefins resist many polar solvents but swell in hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents. Amorphous plastics such as PC and ABS are the most likely to crack or dissolve.
Why did a plastic part crack when it touched a chemical?
Usually environmental stress cracking: a chemical that does not visibly attack the plastic can still cause cracks where the part is under stress. Amorphous plastics such as PC, ABS and acrylic are most prone. See our guide to environmental stress cracking.
Does temperature change chemical resistance?
Yes, a lot. A plastic rated excellent at room temperature can fail at 60°C or higher in the same chemical. Concentration, time and stress matter too, so test at real conditions.
Tell us the chemicals and temperature
A polymer chemist reviews every request, then matches your grade or finds a qualified equivalent and prices it.
What to send for an accurate quote
- The grade name, from any supplier, or a data sheet
- Color (natural, black or a custom match)
- Fill type and percentage, if any
- Melt flow, if you know it
- Quantity for this order and what you use in a year
- Ship-to city and state or province