Polyurethane Chemical Compatibility
This polyurethane chemical compatibility chart summarizes laboratory testing from an independent facility evaluating how polyurethane materials perform when exposed to a wide range of chemicals.
Because polyurethane resistance to chemicals depends on formulation, temperature, concentration, and exposure time, performance varies by application. Many customers also ask, “Is polyurethane oil resistant?” In many cases the answer is yes, but selecting the right formulation is critical for long-term performance.
For help choosing the best material for your operating environment, contact the PSI Urethanes team.
| Chemical Name | Chemical Class | Degradation Rating | Seal Rating | Overall Compatibility Rating | Comments |
| Acetone | Ketone | 1 | 0 | Good | Slight swelling after 4 hours |
| Chlorine Standard Solution (1000ppm) | Halogen | 0 | 0 | Good | |
| Ethanol (95%) | Alcohol | 0 | 0 | Good | |
| Hydraulic Fluid | Aliphatic Hydrocarbon | 0 | 0 | Good | |
| Hydrochloric Acid (18.5%) | Inorganic Acid | 0 | 0 | Good | |
| Hydrogen Peroxide (30%) | Peroxide | 0 | 0 | Good | |
| Isopropyl Alcohol | Hydroxylic Compound | 0 | 0 | Good | |
| Mineral Oil | Petroleum Hydrocarbon | 0 | 0 | Good | |
| Chlorine Bleach (5% Sodium Hypochlorite) | Inorganic Halogen | 1 | 0 | Good | Slight discoloration and became tacky after 4 hours |
| Sodium Hydroxide (40%) | Inoragnic Base | 0 | 0 | Good | |
| Sulfuric Acid (50%) | Inoragnic Acid | 1 | 0 | Good | Slight discoloration and became tacky after 4 hours |
| Xylene | Aromatic Hydrocarbon | 1 | 0 | Good | Slight swelling after 4 hours |
| Gasoline | Petroleum Hydrocarbon | 1 | 0 | Good | Slight swelling after 4 hours |
| Antifreeze | Glycol Ether | 0 | 0 | Good | |
| Diesel Fuel | Petroleum Hydrocarbon | 1 | 0 | Good | Slight swelling after 4 hours |
Urethane/Polyurethane Chemical Resistance Guide
How to Read These Ratings
The polyurethane chemical compatibility chart below uses an A–C rating system to indicate how polyurethane performs when exposed to different chemicals:
- A – Excellent: Little or no swelling, softening, or surface deterioration.
- B – Good chemical resistance: Minor chemical attack, swelling, or surface deterioration.
- C – Limited chemical resistance: Moderate chemical attack.
The chemical resistance of a polyurethane part depends on the specific urethane formulation used. To recommend the right material, PSI Urethanes considers your application’s chemical exposure, operating environment, temperature, and mechanical stresses.
Because polyurethane resistance to chemicals can vary with concentration, temperature, and duration of contact, this chart should be used as a general guide. Unless otherwise noted, chemicals are listed at full concentration and 70°F.
| Chemical | Rating |
|---|---|
| Acetic Acid 20% | B |
| Acetone | C |
| Aluminum Chloride | A |
| Ammonia, Anhydrous | C |
| Ammonium Chloride | B |
| Ammonium Hydroxide | C |
| Ammonium Phosphate | B |
| Ammonium Sulfate | A |
| Animal Fats | A |
| ASTM Fuel A | A |
| ASTM Fuel B | B |
| ASTM Fuel C | C |
| ASTM Oil # 1 | A |
| ASTM Oil # 2 | B |
| ASTM Oil # 3 | A |
| ASTM Oil # 4 | C |
| Barium Hydroxide | A |
| Benzene | C |
| Broax | A |
| Boric Acid | A |
| Butane | A |
| Calcium Bisulfite | A |
| Calcium Chloride | A |
| Calcium Hydroxide | A |
| Calcium Hypochlorite | C |
| Carbon Dioxide | A |
| Carbon Monoxide | A |
| Carbon Tetrachloride | C |
| Castor OIl | A |
| Chlorine Gas | C |
| Chromic Acid 2% | B |
| Citric Acid | A |
| Copper Chloride | A |
| Copper Sulfate 10% | A |
| Cottonseed OIl | A |
| Cyclohexane | A |
| Diethyl Ether | A |
| Dimethylmethane | B |
| Distilled Vinegar | B |
| Ethyl Acetate | C |
| Ethyl Alcohol | C |
| Ethylene Glycol | B |
| Formaldehyde | C |
| Formic Acid | C |
| Freon 11 | B |
| Freon 12 | A |
| Freon 22 | C |
| Freon 113 | A |
| Freon 114 | A |
| Gasoline | B |
| Glue | A |
| Glycerin | A |
| Grease | A |
| Hexane | B |
| Home Heating Oil | B |
| Hydraulic Oils | B |
| Hydrochloric Acid 20% | B |
| Hydrochloric Acid 37% | C |
| Hydrogen | A |
| Hydrogen Peroxide 30% | B |
| Isooctane 70°F | A |
| Isooctane 158°F | B |
| Isopropyl Ether | B |
| Kerosene | B |
| Lime, Caustic | A |
| Linseed Oil | B |
| Lubricating Oils | B |
| Lye | B |
| Magnesium Chloride | A |
| Magnesium Hudroxide | A |
| Mercury | A |
| Methyl Alcohol | C |
| Methyl Ethyl Ketone | C |
| Mineral Oil | A |
| Mineral Spririts | B |
| Muriatic Acid 20% | B |
| Naphtha | B |
| Naphthalene | B |
| Nitric Acid 2% | B |
| Nitric Acid 10% | C |
| Oleic Acid | A |
| Ozone | A |
| Palmitic Acid | A |
| Perchloroethylene | C |
| Phenol | C |
| Phosphoric Acid 20 - 70% | A-B |
| Phosphoric Acid 85% | C |
| Potassium Hydroxide 10% | B |
| Silver Nitrate | A |
| Sodium Hydroxide 20% | A |
| Sodium Hydroxide 45% | B |
| Sodium Hypochlorite 1% | A-B |
| Stearic Acid | A |
| Stoddards Solvent 110°F | A-B |
| Stoddards Solvent 140°F | C |
| Sulfuric Acid 5 - 10% | A |
| Sulfuric Acid 10 - 50% | B-C |
| Tannic Acid | A |
| Tetrahydofuran | C |
| Tartaric Acid | A |
| Toluene | C |
| Trichloroethylene | C |
| Tricresyl Phosphate | B |
| Trisodium Phosphate | A |
| Tung Oil | B |
| Turpentine | C |
| Xylene | C |
This guide shows the resistance of polyurethane materials in contact with various chemicals. All results are believed to be based on valid laboratory/field tests or evaluations from past experience. However, no guarantee is expressed or implied as to the result that will be obtained by the user. It is recommended that the user test the urethane under conditions that closely resemble the environment the product will see when in use.
When the Rating Says ‘C’: Why Formulation Matters
A ‘C’ rating on a standard formula doesn’t rule out polyurethane. Resistance comes from the specific urethane chemistry, not the material class, so a custom-formulated part often performs better in the same polyurethane chemical compatibility environment.
PSI Urethanes builds custom urethane formulations and custom polyurethane products for the industries we serve, including food processing, mining, marine, and automotive.
Ask Our Experts.
Contact us today to learn how we can meet your project’s requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions on polyurethane chemical compatibility:
Is polyurethane chemically resistant?
Yes, it resists many oils, greases, fuels, and dilute acids with little/no effect; strong solvents, concentrated acids, and some ketones can degrade it. Depends on formulation, concentration, temperature, exposure time.
Is polyurethane oil resistant?
Generally yes, little/no effect from mineral oil, castor oil, lubricating oils; moderate effect from some hydraulic/heating oils. A formulation can be selected to maximize resistance.
What chemicals damage polyurethane?
Strong solvents and certain acids cause severe effect (C): acetone, benzene, toluene, xylene, MEK, concentrated sulfuric/hydrochloric acid, chlorinated solvents like trichloroethylene.
What do the A, B, and C ratings mean?
A = Excellent, with little or no swelling, softening, or surface deterioration. B = Good chemical resistance, with minor chemical attack, swelling, or surface deterioration. C = Limited chemical resistance, with moderate chemical attack. Unless otherwise noted, chemicals are tested at full concentration and 70°F; higher temperatures and longer exposure may increase degradation.
Can PSI Urethanes make polyurethane more chemically resistant?
Yes! Because resistance is driven by the urethane chemistry, PSI can select or develop a formulation tuned to your chemical environment, temperature, and duty cycle.