PTFE Chemical Resistance Chart & Compatibility Table
Complete reference guide for PTFE compatibility with 80+ industrial chemicals. Updated August 2026.
PTFE Chemical Resistance Overview
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is the most chemically resistant commercially available polymer. The C-F bond strength (485 kJ/mol) is one of the strongest single bonds in organic chemistry, which is why PTFE remains stable across virtually the entire pH spectrum and against almost all industrial solvents.
This chemical inertness is the primary reason PTFE dominates sealing, gasketing, and lining applications in chemical processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, semiconductor fabrication, and oil & gas operations. Engineers specify PTFE when process fluids include aggressive acids, bases, solvents, or oxidizers where other materials would fail.
How to read this chart: Each chemical is rated A through D based on PTFE's compatibility at standard conditions (20-25°C, atmospheric pressure, unless otherwise noted):
- A — Excellent: No attack or property change after prolonged exposure. Suitable for continuous service.
- B — Good: Minor effect on properties, but PTFE remains functional for typical applications.
- C — Fair: Moderate attack. PTFE may show weight change or property loss. Short-term or limited service only.
- D — Not Recommended: Severe attack. PTFE should not be used for this chemical.
Acids & Bases Compatibility
| Chemical | Concentration | Temp Range | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfuric Acid | 0-100% | Up to 260°C | |
| Hydrochloric Acid | 0-37% | Up to 200°C | |
| Nitric Acid | 0-70% | Up to 200°C | |
| Nitric Acid | 100% (fuming) | 20-100°C | |
| Hydrofluoric Acid | 0-60% | Up to 200°C | |
| Phosphoric Acid | 0-85% | Up to 260°C | |
| Acetic Acid | 0-100% | Up to 200°C | |
| Citric Acid | Any | Up to 200°C | |
| Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda) | 0-50% | Up to 100°C | |
| Potassium Hydroxide | 0-50% | Up to 100°C | |
| Ammonium Hydroxide | 0-30% | Up to 100°C | |
| Sodium Hypochlorite | 0-20% | Up to 100°C | |
| Aqua Regia | — | 20°C |
PTFE handles virtually all mineral and organic acids across the concentration and temperature range. Strong oxidizing acids (concentrated nitric, fuming sulfuric) may show slight attack at elevated temperatures but remain serviceable.
Organic Solvents Compatibility
| Solvent | Temperature | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Acetone | Up to 100°C | |
| Methanol | Up to 100°C | |
| Ethanol | Up to 100°C | |
| Isopropanol | Up to 100°C | |
| Toluene | Up to 100°C | |
| Xylene | Up to 100°C | |
| Benzene | Up to 100°C | |
| Hexane | Up to 100°C | |
| Heptane | Up to 100°C | |
| Mineral Oil | Up to 260°C | |
| DMF (Dimethylformamide) | Up to 100°C | |
| DMSO | Up to 100°C | |
| MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) | Up to 100°C | |
| Methylene Chloride | Up to 100°C | |
| Chloroform | Up to 100°C | |
| Perchloroethylene | Up to 100°C |
PTFE compatibility with organic solvents is essentially universal — including aggressive ketones, chlorinated solvents, aromatics, and aliphatic hydrocarbons. This is why PTFE-lined equipment is standard in paint manufacturing, pharmaceutical solvent extraction, and chemical processing.
Oxidizers & Halogens
| Oxidizer | Concentration | Temperature | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorine (dry gas) | 100% | Up to 100°C | |
| Chlorine (wet gas) | — | Up to 100°C | |
| Bromine | — | 20°C | |
| Iodine | — | 20°C | |
| Fluorine (gas) | — | 20°C | |
| Hydrogen Peroxide | 0-30% | Up to 100°C | |
| Hydrogen Peroxide | 30-90% | Up to 50°C | |
| Ozone | — | Up to 100°C |
Hydrocarbons & Oils
| Chemical Class | Examples | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Aliphatic Hydrocarbons | Hexane, heptane, kerosene, gasoline | |
| Aromatic Hydrocarbons | Toluene, xylene, benzene | |
| Petroleum Oils | Crude oil, diesel, lubricating oil | |
| Synthetic Oils | Phosphate ester, silicone, polyalphaolefin | |
| Vegetable Oils | Soybean, palm, olive oil | |
| Animal Fats | Tallow, lard, fish oil | |
| Essential Oils | Mint, citrus, lavender |
Known Limitations
PTFE is not recommended for these specific conditions:
| Condition | Reason | Alternative Material |
|---|---|---|
| Molten alkali metals (sodium, potassium, lithium) | Chemical reduction attack | Nickel alloys, ceramics |
| Fluorine gas at elevated temperatures | Oxidative attack | Nickel 200, Monel |
| Some organic peroxides at high temperature | Radical attack on C-F bonds | Specialty elastomers |
| Halogenated refrigerants above 200°C | Possible permeation and stress cracking | Hastelloy, Inconel |
| High-pressure service (above 1500 PSI in gaskets) | Creep limits effective sealing | Spiral-wound metal gaskets |
Filled PTFE Compatibility Differences
Filled PTFE compounds introduce additional chemical compatibility considerations because the filler material may have different resistance than pure PTFE:
- Glass-filled PTFE (15-25% glass): Reduced resistance to hydrofluoric acid and strong alkalis. The glass filler dissolves in these media, compromising mechanical integrity. Not recommended for HF service.
- Carbon-filled PTFE (10-35% carbon): Slightly reduced chemical resistance in highly oxidizing media due to carbon's reactivity. Generally suitable for most chemical service except extreme oxidizers.
- Bronze-filled PTFE (40-60% bronze): Significantly reduced chemical resistance. Bronze corrodes in acidic environments and ammonia solutions. Suitable only for water, hydraulic fluids, and mechanical applications.
- Stainless steel fiber-filled PTFE: Stainless steel adds some vulnerability to chloride-induced stress corrosion. Not for hydrochloric acid service.
Application Examples
PTFE chemical resistance makes it the standard choice for these applications:
- Acid transfer pumps and piping: Lined steel pipe with PTFE for sulfuric, hydrochloric, nitric acid transport
- Reactor vessel linings: PTFE sheet bonded to steel for chemical reactors handling mixed acids
- Pharmaceutical reactors: PTFE gaskets and seals for API synthesis where cross-contamination is unacceptable
- Semiconductor wet process equipment: PTFE components for high-purity acid etching baths (HF, H2SO4, H2O2 mixtures)
- Paint manufacturing equipment: PTFE-lined mixers and tanks for solvent-based coatings
- Battery acid handling: PTFE components for sulfuric acid in lead-acid battery production
- Pulp and paper processing: PTFE seals in bleach plant equipment exposed to chlorine dioxide
- Water treatment: PTFE gaskets and valve seats in chlorination and ozonation systems
This chart is based on industry-standard PTFE chemical resistance data from major fluoropolymer manufacturers and engineering references. Always verify with your specific application's temperature, pressure, and exposure conditions. Last updated: August 2, 2026.