Alexei Volkov
Plastic is a versatile material that is widely used for storing liquids, especially chemicals such as acids. This is because plastics are not only strong and lightweight but also highly resistant to acid solutions. Several types of plastics have been developed with chemical compatibility in mind, making them ideal for storing corrosive liquids and concentrated acids. While most plastics are resistant to acids, not all acids are compatible with all types of plastics. The resistance of a plastic to an acid depends on various factors such as acid concentration, type, temperature, and length of exposure. Some plastics that do not react with acids include Teflon™ PTFE, Kynar® PVDF, and Telene® pDCPD.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Acid-resistant plastics | Teflon™ PTFE, Kynar® PVDF, Telene® pDCPD, Polypropylene (PP), Polyetheretherketone, PEEK, Ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene, Polyvinylidene fluoride |
| Chemical compatibility | Ability of plastic to avoid degradation when in contact with chemicals |
| Acid concentration | Important factor influencing plastic's resistance to acids |
| Acid type | Important factor influencing plastic's resistance to acids |
| Temperature | Important factor influencing plastic's resistance to acids |
| Length of exposure | Important factor influencing plastic's resistance to acids |
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What You'll Learn
- Polypropylene (PP) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer that is affordable, versatile, lightweight, and durable
- Teflon®/PTFE is a high-performance plastic with a wide operating temperature range and chemical inertness
- PVDF (Kynar) is a fluoropolymer with high acid resistance, especially at high temperatures
- Telene is a polymer compound that is waterproof, lightweight, and highly resistant to acid, alkali, and abrasive substances
- Polyetheretherketone is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic that is resistant to traction, chemical products, and high temperatures
Polypropylene (PP) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer that is affordable, versatile, lightweight, and durable
Polypropylene is produced through the polymerization of propylene, a process first achieved in 1951. It belongs to the group of polyolefins and is known for its high chemical resistance. Its structure can be manipulated to create different variations, including homopolymer, random copolymer, and block copolymer. These variations allow for control over the material's crystallinity, melting point, and transparency, making it suitable for a wide range of uses.
The semi-crystalline nature of polypropylene contributes to its high flexural strength and durability. It is resilient to wear and tear and can withstand higher levels of physical stress. Additionally, it is lightweight, with excellent fatigue resistance and elasticity, making it ideal for applications where weight savings are crucial. Its slippery, tactile surface further enhances its versatility.
Polypropylene is also known for its high chemical resistance. While some potentially toxic chemicals are used in its manufacture, the finished product is generally regarded as safe, even for food and drink packaging and medical supplies. Its resistance to mildew, mould, rot, and bacteria further adds to its suitability for these applications.
However, polypropylene does have some disadvantages. It is not considered eco-friendly due to the difficulties in recycling, and it has poor resistance to UV radiation. Nevertheless, its overall affordability, versatility, and durability make it a popular choice for a wide range of products, from packaging to machinery parts and textiles.
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Teflon®/PTFE is a high-performance plastic with a wide operating temperature range and chemical inertness
While most plastics do not react with acids, not all acids are compatible with all plastics. For instance, low-density plastics can be weakened and permeated by certain acids over time.
Teflon®/PTFE is a synthetic fluoropolymer of polytetrafluoroethylene, a fluorocarbon solid. It is a high-performance plastic with a wide operating temperature range and chemical inertness. PTFE has a temperature range of -200 to 260 °C (-328 to 500 °F), making it suitable for applications requiring durability under extreme temperatures. Its chemical inertness and exceptionally low permeability make it ideal for protecting equipment and tools in various industries.
One of the key advantages of Teflon®/PTFE is its non-reactivity. The strength of the carbon-fluorine bonds in its chemical structure makes it resistant to reactive and corrosive chemicals. This property has led to its use in containers and pipework, such as in the Manhattan Project, where it coated valves and seals in pipes holding highly reactive uranium hexafluoride. PTFE is also hydrophobic, meaning that neither water nor water-containing substances can wet its surface. This property, combined with its low coefficient of friction, makes it an excellent non-stick coating for cookware.
Teflon®/PTFE's versatility extends across multiple industries. In the aerospace industry, it is used in the production of carbon fibre composites and as a film to prevent materials from sticking during the manufacturing process. PTFE is also used in optical radiometry as a measuring head in spectroradiometers and broadband radiometers, taking advantage of its ability to diffuse transmitting light nearly perfectly. Additionally, its chemical and thermal resistance properties are valuable in downhole environments, oil and gas refineries, and pipelines.
The wide operating temperature range and chemical inertness of Teflon®/PTFE make it a high-performance plastic with exceptional versatility. Its durability, non-reactivity, and hydrophobic nature contribute to its widespread use in various industries, from cookware coatings to equipment protection and optical measurements.
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PVDF (Kynar) is a fluoropolymer with high acid resistance, especially at high temperatures
PVDF, or polyvinylidene fluoride, is a highly non-reactive thermoplastic fluoropolymer. It is also known by its trade name, Kynar. PVDF is produced by the polymerization of vinylidene difluoride, with the chemical formula (C2H2F2)n. It is a specialty plastic used in applications requiring high purity, as well as resistance to solvents, acids, and hydrocarbons.
PVDF exhibits excellent chemical resistance, especially to acids, due to its strong carbon-fluorine (C-F) bonds. These bonds are the strongest in organic chemistry, contributing to the durability and thermal stability of PVDF. It has a wide "processing window", which refers to the difference between its melting temperature and degradation temperature. PVDF's melting point is around 177 °C, and it can maintain its structural integrity up to temperatures of 150 °C to 160 °C.
The exceptional chemical resistance of PVDF makes it ideal for use in chemical handling and processing applications. It is commonly used in the chemical, semiconductor, medical, and defense industries. PVDF is also used in lithium-ion batteries and aviation and aerospace applications. In these industries, PVDF is valued for its resistance to corrosion and high temperatures.
PVDF's unique combination of properties, including its chemical resistance, mechanical toughness, and abrasion, flame, and smoke resistance, further enhance its versatility. It can be easily processed and welded, making it a popular choice for various applications. PVDF is also inherently UV stable, adding to its durability in various environmental conditions.
Overall, PVDF (Kynar) is a highly versatile and durable fluoropolymer with exceptional acid resistance, especially at high temperatures. Its unique combination of properties makes it a preferred material in a wide range of industries, contributing to its reputation as a reliable and resilient material.
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Telene is a polymer compound that is waterproof, lightweight, and highly resistant to acid, alkali, and abrasive substances
Not all plastics are compatible with all acids. For instance, sulfuric acid can weaken and permeate plastics, especially low-density poly plastics. Hydrofluoric acid is very corrosive towards glass but does not affect the plastic bottles it is kept in.
Telene is used in a variety of applications, such as body panels in agricultural and earth-moving equipment, trucks, and buses, light towers, cell tower tops, water clarification applications, sewage plants, pipeline valves and fittings, and industrial filters. It is also used in rotary latches, which are designed to provide durable performance in high-vibration environments and protect against exposure to dust and dirt.
Telene's acid-resistant properties make it well-suited for use in a number of industries, including those that require chemical and corrosion resistance over a wide range of temperatures and other extreme environmental conditions. Its lightweight nature not only reduces installation time but also shipping costs. Additionally, Telene is an environmentally sensible choice as it has a low energy balance and is easily disposed of without creating heavy metals, ashes, or dangerous gases.
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Polyetheretherketone is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic that is resistant to traction, chemical products, and high temperatures
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic that exhibits high thermal and chemical stability. It is a high-performance polymer with exceptional thermal resistance, superior mechanical properties, and outstanding chemical stability. PEEK is produced through the polycondensation reaction of 4,4-fluorobenzophenone and hydroquinone.
PEEK has a much higher temperature performance compared to PES, with a melting point of around 350°C and the ability to withstand temperatures up to 420°C during processing. It maintains its excellent mechanical strength and stability even in the presence of hot water, steam, solvents, and chemicals. This makes it ideal for applications requiring resistance to high temperatures, such as in aircraft exterior parts, where it provides excellent resistance to rain erosion.
The material is also resistant to both organic and aqueous environments and is used in a variety of applications, including bearings, piston parts, pumps, compressor plate valves, and cable insulation. PEEK is one of the few plastics compatible with ultra-high vacuum applications. Additionally, it exhibits excellent tensile properties, high strength, and toughness, making it a promising material for medical implant devices.
PEEK's inherent purity, combined with its excellent mechanical and chemical stability, minimizes contamination and maximizes safety. Its electrical properties make it an ideal electrical insulator, and it is commonly used in electrical markets and electronic applications. PEEK provides parts with long-term operating reliability over a wide range of temperatures, pressures, and frequencies.
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Frequently asked questions
Some plastics that are known for their acid resistance include Teflon™ PTFE, Kynar® PVDF, and Telene® pDCPD.
PTFE is a synthetic fluoropolymer that is chemically inert. This means that it can withstand exposure to corrosive substances without reacting.
Kynar® PVDF, or polyvinylidene fluoride, is a fluoropolymer known for its high acid resistance. While both PTFE and PVDF offer excellent acid resistance, PVDF is more resistant to highly concentrated acids at high temperatures.
Telene® is a lightweight, innovative polymer compound that is highly resistant to acids, alkalis, and abrasive substances. It is often used in applications such as light towers, water treatment, and industrial filters due to its anti-corrosive properties and molding flexibility.
Yes, polypropylene (PP) is a widely used thermoplastic polymer that offers advantageous acid compatibility due to its chemical inertia. It is affordable, versatile, lightweight, and durable, making it a popular choice for containers and storage items.
