Chemical Compatibility Chart
Compatibility ratings for 1,460 chemicals and 26 pump materials. Search for the fluid you will be pumping, and evaluate the housing and seal materials together.
Material Selection Tool
Search for your chemical
You can compare up to three chemicals side by side. The ratings apply to room temperature and pure chemicals; compatibility decreases as temperature and concentration increase.
Select at least one chemical from the list above for comparison.
| Materials | — | — | — | Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metals | ||||
| Alüminyum | – | – | – | |
| Karbon Çeliği | – | – | – | |
| Dökme / Sfero Döküm | – | – | – | |
| 17-4 PH Paslanmaz | – | – | – | |
| 304 Paslanmaz Çelik | – | – | – | |
| 316 Paslanmaz Çelik | – | – | – | |
| Hastelloy C | – | – | – | |
| Plastics | ||||
| Asetal (POM) | – | – | – | |
| Elastomers | ||||
| CSM (Hypalon®) | – | – | – | |
| EPDM | – | – | – | |
| Florokarbon (FKM) | – | – | – | |
| Florelastomer (Viton®) | – | – | – | |
| Geolast (Buna + PP) | – | – | – | |
| Hytrel® (TPE) | – | – | – | |
| Deri | – | – | – | |
| Doğal Kauçuk | – | – | – | |
| Buna-N (Nitril) | – | – | – | |
| Nitril (TPE) | – | – | – | |
| Naylon (PA) | – | – | – | |
| Polikloropren (Neopren) | – | – | – | |
| Polipropilen (PP) | – | – | – | |
| PTFE (Teflon®) | – | – | – | |
| PVDF (Kynar®) | – | – | – | |
| Santopren (EPDM + PP) | – | – | – | |
| UHMWPE | – | – | – | |
| Üretan (PU) | – | – | – | |
- A Excellent — suitable for continuous use
- B Good — available, periodic check
- C Medium — limited; pay attention to temperature/concentration
- D Incompatible — do not use
- – No data — not tested
Quick Reference
Frequently Searched Chemicals
Compatibility of the 8 most common pump construction materials with the 142 chemicals most often encountered in industry. Rows are grouped by chemical family.
| Chemical | Polipropilen (PP) | PVDF (Kynar®) | PTFE (Teflon®) | 316 Paslanmaz Çelik | Hastelloy C | EPDM | Florelastomer (Viton®) | Santopren (EPDM + PP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acids | ||||||||
| Sulfuric Acid - 10% | A | A | A | – | A | A | – | A |
| Sulfuric Acid - 25% | A | A | A | – | A | B | – | A |
| Sulfuric Acid - 50% | A | A | A | – | A | B | – | A |
| Sulfuric Acid - 75% | A | A | A | – | A | C | – | A |
| Sulfuric Acid - 95% | D | A | A | – | A | C | – | A |
| Hydrochloric Acid | B | A | A | D | A | D | A | – |
| Hydrochloric Acid - 20% | A | A | A | D | D | A | A | A |
| Hydrochloric Acid - 37% | C | A | A | D | B | C | A | B |
| Nitric Acid - 10% | A | A | A | – | A | B | – | A |
| Nitric Acid - 20% | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | B |
| Nitric Acid - 30% | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Nitric Acid - 50% | B | A | A | A | A | D | A | C |
| Phosphoric Acid - 10% | A | A | A | – | – | A | – | A |
| Phosphoric Acid - 20% | A | A | A | B | A | A | A | A |
| Phosphoric Acid - 50% | A | A | A | – | C | B | – | B |
| Hydrofluoric Acid 20% | A | A | A | D | B | D | A | D |
| Hydrofluoric Acid 50% | A | A | A | D | B | D | B | D |
| Chromic Acid | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Sulfurous Acid | A | A | A | B | B | B | A | A |
| Sulfamic Acid | – | – | A | – | D | – | – | – |
| Acetic Acid | B | C | A | B | A | A | B | B |
| Acetic Acid - 20% | A | A | A | A | A | A | B | B |
| Acetic Acid - Glacial | A | A | A | A | A | B | D | B |
| Citric Acid | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A |
| Formic Acid | A | A | A | A | A | A | C | A |
| Lactic Acid | B | B | A | B | B | A | A | A |
| Oxalic Acid (cold) | A | B | A | A | B | A | A | A |
| Tannic Acid | A | B | A | A | B | A | A | A |
| Boric Acid | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A |
| Benzoic Acid | B | A | A | B | B | D | A | A |
| Stearic Acid | A | A | A | A | B | B | A | B |
| Oleic Acid | B | A | A | A | A | B | B | B |
| Bases and Caustics | ||||||||
| Lye (Sodium Hydroxide) | A | D | A | B | C | B | B | – |
| Sodium Hydroxide (20%) | A | B | A | B | B | B | C | A |
| Sodium Hydroxide (50%) | A | D | A | B | C | B | D | A |
| Sodium Hydroxide (80%) | A | D | A | B | A | B | D | – |
| Potassium Hydroxide | A | A | A | A | B | A | B | A |
| Ammonium Hydroxide | A | A | A | A | B | A | B | A |
| Calcium Hydroxide | A | A | A | B | A | A | A | A |
| Sodium Carbonate | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A |
| Sodium Bicarbonate | A | A | A | A | B | A | A | A |
| Potassium Carbonate (Potash) | A | A | A | A | B | A | A | A |
| Sodium Silicate (Water Glass) | A | A | A | B | B | A | A | A |
| Sodium Metasilicate | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A |
| Sodium Aluminate | A | A | A | A | B | A | A | A |
| Ammonia, Aqueous | A | A | A | A | B | A | D | A |
| Ammonia, Anhydrous | A | A | A | A | B | A | D | A |
| Oxidizers and Disinfectants | ||||||||
| Sodium Hypochlorite | C | A | A | – | B | C | – | A |
| Calcium Hypochlorite | A | A | A | B | B | B | A | A |
| Hydrogen Peroxide - 10% | A | A | A | B | A | A | A | – |
| Hydrogen Peroxide - 30% | B | A | A | B | A | B | A | – |
| Hydrogen Peroxide - 90% | – | – | A | – | – | C | – | – |
| Chlorine (Wet) | D | A | A | D | A | D | A | C |
| Chlorine (dry) | D | A | A | B | A | A | A | C |
| Chlorine Dioxide | D | A | A | D | B | C | B | D |
| Potassium Permanganate | A | A | A | B | A | A | A | A |
| Sodium Chlorate | A | A | A | B | B | A | A | A |
| Sodium Dichromate | A | A | A | – | – | A | B | A |
| Salts and Water Treatment Chemicals | ||||||||
| Sodium Chloride | A | A | A | B | A | A | A | A |
| Calcium Chloride | A | A | A | B | A | A | A | A |
| Magnesium Chloride | A | A | A | D | A | A | A | A |
| Magnesium Sulfate | A | A | A | B | B | A | A | A |
| Potassium Chloride | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A |
| Potassium Sulfate | A | A | A | A | B | A | A | A |
| Potassium Nitrate | A | A | A | B | B | A | A | A |
| Sodium Sulfate | A | A | A | B | B | A | A | A |
| Sodium Sulfite | A | A | A | A | B | A | A | A |
| Sodium Bisulfite | A | A | A | B | B | A | A | A |
| Sodium Bisulfate | A | A | A | C | B | A | A | A |
| Sodium Thiosulfate | A | A | A | B | A | A | A | A |
| Sodium Nitrate | A | A | A | B | B | A | A | A |
| Sodium Fluoride | A | A | A | D | A | A | A | A |
| Sodium Borate (Borax) | A | A | A | B | A | A | A | A |
| Aluminum Sulfate | A | A | A | B | B | A | A | A |
| Aluminum Chloride 20% | A | A | A | C | A | A | A | – |
| Ferric Chloride | A | A | A | D | B | A | A | A |
| Ferric Sulfate | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A |
| Ferrous Chloride | A | A | A | D | B | A | A | A |
| Ferrous Sulfate | A | A | A | B | B | A | B | A |
| Copper Sulfate | A | A | A | – | A | A | – | A |
| Zinc Sulfate | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A |
| Zinc Chloride | A | A | A | B | B | A | A | A |
| Nickel Sulfate | A | A | A | B | B | A | A | A |
| Ammonium Sulfate | A | A | A | B | B | A | A | A |
| Ammonium Nitrate | A | A | A | A | B | A | A | A |
| Ammonium Chloride | A | A | A | B | D | A | A | A |
| Ammonium Phosphate | A | A | A | – | A | A | A | A |
| Calcium Carbonate (Chalk) | A | A | A | B | B | A | A | A |
| Urea | A | A | A | B | B | A | A | A |
| Brine (Calcium Chloride) | A | A | A | – | A | A | A | A |
| Solvents and Organics | ||||||||
| Acetone | A | D | A | A | A | C | D | B |
| Methanol | A | A | A | A | A | A | C | A |
| Ethanol (Ethyl Alcohol) | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A |
| Isopropyl Alcohol | A | A | A | – | A | B | A | B |
| Alcohol: Butyl | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A |
| Toluene (Toluol) | C | A | A | A | A | D | C | D |
| Xylene | B | A | A | B | A | D | B | D |
| Benzene | D | A | A | B | B | D | A | C |
| Hexane | B | A | A | A | A | D | A | C |
| Heptane | C | A | A | A | A | D | A | C |
| Cyclohexane | D | A | A | A | B | D | A | C |
| Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) | B | D | A | A | A | A | D | B |
| Ethyl Acetate | A | D | A | B | A | B | D | C |
| Butyl Acetate | B | B | A | A | A | B | D | B |
| Ethyl Ether | D | A | A | B | B | D | D | D |
| Formaldehyde | C | A | A | A | A | A | D | B |
| Phenol | C | A | A | – | A | – | A | A |
| Styrene | D | B | A | A | D | D | B | C |
| Glycerin (Glycerol) | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A |
| Ethylene Glycol | A | A | A | B | B | A | A | A |
| Propylene Glycol | A | A | A | B | B | A | A | A |
| Trichloroethylene | C | B | A | B | A | D | A | D |
| Perchloroethylene | D | A | A | A | B | D | A | D |
| Methylene Chloride | B | B | A | B | B | C | B | D |
| Carbon Tetrachloride | D | A | A | B | A | D | A | D |
| Chloroform | C | A | A | A | A | D | A | D |
| Mineral Spirits | B | – | A | A | B | D | A | – |
| Turpentine | D | A | A | A | B | D | A | D |
| Naphtha | B | A | B | A | B | D | A | C |
| Fuels and Oils | ||||||||
| Diesel Oil (Fuel ASTM #2) | A | A | A | A | B | D | A | D |
| Gasoline (Unleaded) | C | A | A | A | A | D | A | C |
| Fuel Oils (ASTM #1 thru #9) | A | B | B | A | A | D | A | C |
| Kerosene | B | A | A | A | B | D | A | C |
| Jet Fuel (JP1 to JP6) | A | B | A | A | A | D | A | C |
| Mineral Oil | A | A | A | A | A | D | A | D |
| Lubricating Oil | A | A | A | A | A | D | A | – |
| Hydraulic Oil (Petroleum Base) | D | A | A | A | A | D | A | D |
| Water, Food and General | ||||||||
| Water, Fresh | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A |
| Water, Distilled | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A |
| Water, Deionized | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | – |
| Sea Water | A | A | A | C | A | A | A | A |
| Sewage | A | A | A | A | A | C | A | A |
| Beer | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A |
| Wine | A | A | A | – | A | A | – | A |
| Milk | B | A | A | A | A | A | A | A |
| Molasses | B | B | A | A | A | A | A | A |
| Vinegar | A | B | A | A | A | A | A | A |
| Fruit Juice | B | A | A | A | A | A | A | A |
| Corn Oil | A | A | A | A | A | C | B | D |
| Soap Solutions | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A |
| Detergent Solutions | A | A | A | A | B | A | A | B |
| Latex | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A |
For chemicals you cannot find in the table, use the search tool above — the data set contains 1,460 chemicals.
Materials Guide
Which material is right for which application?
Thermoplastics
Corrosion resistance is inherent: they do not wear away like a coating to expose the underlying material. PP is an economical solution in dilute acids and bases up to approximately 100 °C, but its resistance is limited in aromatic/chlorinated solvents and oxidizing agents such as hypochlorite. PVDF offers very broad resistance up to approximately 135 °C—it is preferred for use with hypochlorite and halogens—but it cannot be used in hot concentrated caustic soda. PTFE is nearly universal in the −200…+260 °C range; however, it is mechanically soft and exhibits creep under load.
You can find this group in our thermoplastic pumps category.
Metals
316/316L stainless steel is the most common process material, but it cannot be used in hydrochloric acid and carries a risk of pitting and stress corrosion cracking in chloride environments — the assumption that “stainless steel can withstand anything” is one of the most costly misconceptions. Alloy 20 has been developed for sulfuric acid applications, and Hastelloy C for harsh oxidizing and chloride-containing environments.
You can review our Stainless and alloy pump options.
Elastomers — Gaskets, O-rings, and Diaphragms
EPDM and FKM (Viton®) behave in opposite ways: EPDM performs well in hot water and bases but poorly in oils and hydrocarbons; FKM performs well in oils and aggressive acids but poorly in hot, concentrated bases. A common mistake in the field is the habit of “using Viton everywhere”—this choice will damage the seal in a caustic line. Santoprene excels in mechanical life, while PTFE excels in chemical resistance; the two are often combined in a two-piece diaphragm.
Elastomer options are particularly in diaphragm pumps critical.
The weakest link in the chain
The parts that come into contact with the fluid are not limited to the housing: the impeller/diaphragm, O-rings and gaskets, valve balls and seating surfaces, shaft, bushings, and bearings are also exposed to the same fluid. If any one of these parts is incompatible, the entire pump is incompatible. Installing an EPDM O-ring on a PVDF-bodied pump negates the body’s resistance; the material of each component must be confirmed separately during the quotation phase.
Material Profiles
Which material handles what — and what it does not
The examples below are read from the table above: for each material, a cross-section of the chemicals rated "A" (excellent) and "D" (incompatible). The full list is in the table and in the search tool.
Polipropilen (PP)
Compatible (A) — examples out of 99 chemicals in the table: Sulfuric Acid - 10% · Sulfuric Acid - 25% · Lye (Sodium Hydroxide) · Sodium Hydroxide (20%) · Calcium Hypochlorite · Hydrogen Peroxide - 10% · Sodium Chloride · Calcium Chloride · Acetone · Methanol · Diesel Oil (Fuel ASTM #2) · Fuel Oils (ASTM #1 thru #9) · Water, Fresh · Water, Distilled.
Incompatible (D) — examples out of 12 chemicals in the table: Sulfuric Acid - 95% · Chlorine (Wet) · Chlorine (dry) · Benzene · Cyclohexane · Hydraulic Oil (Petroleum Base).
PVDF (Kynar®)
Compatible (A) — examples out of 118 chemicals in the table: Sulfuric Acid - 10% · Sulfuric Acid - 25% · Potassium Hydroxide · Ammonium Hydroxide · Sodium Hypochlorite · Calcium Hypochlorite · Sodium Chloride · Calcium Chloride · Methanol · Ethanol (Ethyl Alcohol) · Diesel Oil (Fuel ASTM #2) · Gasoline (Unleaded) · Water, Fresh · Water, Distilled.
Incompatible (D) — examples out of 6 chemicals in the table: Lye (Sodium Hydroxide) · Sodium Hydroxide (50%) · Acetone · Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK).
PTFE (Teflon®)
Compatible (A) — examples out of 138 chemicals in the table: Sulfuric Acid - 10% · Sulfuric Acid - 25% · Lye (Sodium Hydroxide) · Sodium Hydroxide (20%) · Sodium Hypochlorite · Calcium Hypochlorite · Sodium Chloride · Calcium Chloride · Acetone · Methanol · Diesel Oil (Fuel ASTM #2) · Gasoline (Unleaded) · Water, Fresh · Water, Distilled.
No chemical in this table is rated "D" (incompatible) — temperature and concentration limits still apply.
316 Paslanmaz Çelik
Compatible (A) — examples out of 65 chemicals in the table: Nitric Acid - 20% · Nitric Acid - 50% · Potassium Hydroxide · Ammonium Hydroxide · Potassium Chloride · Potassium Sulfate · Acetone · Methanol · Diesel Oil (Fuel ASTM #2) · Gasoline (Unleaded) · Water, Fresh · Water, Distilled.
Incompatible (D) — examples out of 11 chemicals in the table: Hydrochloric Acid · Hydrochloric Acid - 20% · Chlorine (Wet) · Chlorine Dioxide · Magnesium Chloride · Sodium Fluoride.
Hastelloy C
Compatible (A) — examples out of 77 chemicals in the table: Sulfuric Acid - 10% · Sulfuric Acid - 25% · Sodium Hydroxide (80%) · Calcium Hydroxide · Hydrogen Peroxide - 10% · Hydrogen Peroxide - 30% · Sodium Chloride · Calcium Chloride · Acetone · Methanol · Gasoline (Unleaded) · Fuel Oils (ASTM #1 thru #9) · Water, Fresh · Water, Distilled.
Incompatible (D) — examples out of 4 chemicals in the table: Hydrochloric Acid - 20% · Sulfamic Acid · Ammonium Chloride · Styrene.
EPDM
Compatible (A) — examples out of 82 chemicals in the table: Sulfuric Acid - 10% · Hydrochloric Acid - 20% · Potassium Hydroxide · Ammonium Hydroxide · Hydrogen Peroxide - 10% · Chlorine (dry) · Sodium Chloride · Calcium Chloride · Methanol · Ethanol (Ethyl Alcohol) · Water, Fresh · Water, Distilled.
Incompatible (D) — examples out of 29 chemicals in the table: Hydrochloric Acid · Nitric Acid - 50% · Chlorine (Wet) · Toluene (Toluol) · Xylene · Diesel Oil (Fuel ASTM #2) · Gasoline (Unleaded).
Florelastomer (Viton®)
Compatible (A) — examples out of 98 chemicals in the table: Hydrochloric Acid · Hydrochloric Acid - 20% · Calcium Hydroxide · Sodium Carbonate · Calcium Hypochlorite · Hydrogen Peroxide - 10% · Sodium Chloride · Calcium Chloride · Ethanol (Ethyl Alcohol) · Isopropyl Alcohol · Diesel Oil (Fuel ASTM #2) · Gasoline (Unleaded) · Water, Fresh · Water, Distilled.
Incompatible (D) — examples out of 11 chemicals in the table: Acetic Acid - Glacial · Sodium Hydroxide (50%) · Sodium Hydroxide (80%) · Acetone · Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK).
Santopren (EPDM + PP)
Compatible (A) — examples out of 85 chemicals in the table: Sulfuric Acid - 10% · Sulfuric Acid - 25% · Sodium Hydroxide (20%) · Sodium Hydroxide (50%) · Sodium Hypochlorite · Calcium Hypochlorite · Sodium Chloride · Calcium Chloride · Methanol · Ethanol (Ethyl Alcohol) · Water, Fresh · Water, Distilled.
Incompatible (D) — examples out of 16 chemicals in the table: Hydrofluoric Acid 20% · Hydrofluoric Acid 50% · Chlorine Dioxide · Toluene (Toluol) · Xylene · Diesel Oil (Fuel ASTM #2) · Mineral Oil · Corn Oil.
Proper Use
What does this table show, and what doesn't it show?
Compatibility charts are a pre-screening tool: they quickly eliminate clearly unsuitable options, leaving a shortlist. They do not make the final decision on their own. Use them with an awareness of these three limitations:
- Temperature. The temperatures are given in degrees relative to room temperature. As a general rule, the corrosion rate roughly doubles for every 10 °C increase in temperature; a combination rated "A" at 20 °C may be rated "C" at 60 °C. Additionally, in thermoplastics , the allowable pressure decreases with temperature — make your selection based on the point where the highest temperature and highest pressure occur simultaneously.
- Concentration. Different concentrations of the same chemical behave differently. Sulfuric acid is a classic example: its dilute form acts as a reducing agent, while its concentrated form acts as a strong oxidizing agent, and the appropriate materials vary. Simply saying “sulfuric acid” is not enough; you must specify the percentage.
- Mixtures and Impurities. The tables are for pure chemicals. Actual process fluids are mixtures; even trace amounts of a chloride or oxidizing agent can degrade a material selected for use with the primary chemical.
For critical applications, the most reliable method is the immersion (coupon) test: material samples are left to stand in the actual fluid at the actual temperature, and changes in weight, dimensions, and appearance are monitored. Alternatively, written confirmation of compliance may be obtained from the manufacturer.
Limitation of Liability: The ratings provided here are compiled from general compatibility charts published by manufacturers and are for informational purposes only. It is the user’s responsibility to verify the material selection under actual application conditions; Atlas Proses makes no warranty regarding the results arising from the use of this table alone.
Frequently Asked
Frequently Asked Questions About Chemical Compatibility
Concentration is what decides. According to the table, polypropylene, PVDF and PTFE are all rated "A" in 10% sulfuric acid; at 95% polypropylene drops to "D" while PVDF and PTFE stay "A". Saying only "sulfuric acid" is therefore not enough when you request a quotation — state the concentration and the operating temperature as well.
In the table PVDF and PTFE are rated "A" while polypropylene is "C". On the seal side EPDM stays at "C", whereas Santoprene is rated "A". Hypochlorite also off-gasses over time, so dosing applications need separate precautions against vapor lock.
It cannot. In the table 316 stainless is rated "D" (incompatible) at both 20% and 37% hydrochloric acid, while polypropylene, PVDF and PTFE are rated "A" in the same liquid. In chloride-bearing media the pitting and stress corrosion cracking risk of stainless steel must also be evaluated separately.
The two behave in opposite ways. In 50% sodium hydroxide EPDM is rated "B" while Viton is "D"; in diesel fuel EPDM is "D" and Viton is "A". In other words, Viton is the wrong choice on caustic lines and EPDM is the wrong choice on hydrocarbon lines — the habit of "fitting Viton everywhere" destroys the seal on a caustic line.
In the table PVDF is rated "A" across a very wide range, including sodium hypochlorite, concentrated sulfuric acid and toluene. It is rated "D" in 50% sodium hydroxide and in acetone, however. "PVDF resists everything" is not true; hot concentrated caustic and some ketones are its limit.
A means excellent (suitable for continuous service), B good (usable, inspect periodically), C moderate (limited; watch temperature and concentration) and D incompatible (do not use). A "–" means no published data exists for that material-chemical pair; it does not mean "suitable".
The ratings in the table are for room temperature. As a rule of thumb, the corrosion rate roughly doubles for every 10 °C rise; a combination rated "A" at 20 °C can be "C" at 60 °C. In thermoplastics the allowable pressure also falls as the temperature rises.
Looking at the casing is not enough. The impeller or diaphragm, O-rings and gaskets, valve balls and seats, the shaft, bushings and bearings are all exposed to the same liquid. If any one of these parts is incompatible, the whole pump is incompatible; confirm the material of every item separately at the quotation stage.
It is not. The table is a pre-screening tool: it quickly eliminates the clearly unsuitable options and leaves a short list. Mixtures, trace impurities and real process conditions can change the outcome. For critical service, run an immersion (coupon) test or obtain written confirmation of suitability from the manufacturer.
Continue
Related Guides
- Pump Material Selection Guide Types of corrosion, the temperature-pressure relationship, and flow selection.
- Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm (AODD) Pump Selection Diaphragm material, air consumption, and suction head.
- Guide to Magnetic Coupling Pumps Leak-free transfer, dry operation, and selection of a separation vessel.
- Selecting a Dosing Pump Hypochlorite gas containment and head material based on the chemical.
Please provide the name, concentration, and operating temperature of your fluid; let’s work together to determine the appropriate housing and seal combination.