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Urethane & Polyurethane Chemical Compatibility

Urethane & Polyurethane Chemical Compatibility

The chemical degradation guides below offer a comprehensive overview of results from two independent laboratories evaluating the resistance of polyurethane materials in contact with various chemicals. Both labs have their own parameters for degradation rating, duration of exposure, and chemical concentration. Polyurethane applications worldwide present diverse challenges from varying environments to different chemical exposures and physical stresses. For more in-depth help determining chemical compatibility for your application reach out to the experts at PSI Urethanes.

Key for the Compatibility List

Degradation – Any physical change in the material: Swelling, discoloration, curling, etc.

Degradation Rating – 0 = None; 1 = Slight; 2 = Significant

 

Chemical NameChemical ClassDegradation RatingSeal RatingOverall Compatibility RatingComments
AcetoneKetone10GoodSlight swelling after 4 hours
Chlorine Standard Solution (1000ppm)Halogen00 Good
Ethanol (95%)Alcohol00 Good
Hydraulic FluidAliphatic Hydrocarbon00 Good
Hydrochloric Acid (18.5%)Inorganic Acid00 Good
Hydrogen Peroxide (30%)Peroxide00 Good
Isopropyl AlcoholHydroxylic Compound00 Good
Mineral OilPetroleum Hydrocarbon00 Good
Chlorine Bleach (5% Sodium Hypochlorite)Inorganic Halogen10 GoodSlight discoloration and became tacky after 4 hours
Sodium Hydroxide (40%)Inoragnic Base00 Good
Sulfuric Acid (50%)Inoragnic Acid10 GoodSlight discoloration and became tacky after 4 hours
XyleneAromatic Hydrocarbon10 GoodSlight swelling after 4 hours
GasolinePetroleum Hydrocarbon10 GoodSlight swelling after 4 hours
AntifreezeGlycol Ether00 Good
Diesel FuelPetroleum Hydrocarbon10 GoodSlight swelling after 4 hours

Urethane/Polyurethane Chemical Resistance Guide

The chemistry used to produce a urethane part greatly influences its chemical resistance.   Therefore, it is important to provide as much information as possible about the stresses and environment the product will see when in use.  That information will allow PSI Urethanes to select a formulation that best meets your needs.  Urethane's resistance to chemicals is affected by the chemical's concentrations, temperature and duration of contact with the urethane.  Unless otherwise noted, the chemicals listed below are at full concentration and 70°F

A = Little or no effect     B = Minor to mderate effect   C = Severe effect

ChemicalRating
Acetic Acid 20%B
AcetoneC
Aluminum ChlorideA
Ammonia, AnhydrousC
Ammonium ChlorideB
Ammonium HudroxideC
Ammonium PhosphateB
Ammonium SulfateA
Animal FatsA
ASTM Fuel AA
ASTM Fuel BB
ASTM Fuel CC
ASTM Oil # 1A
ASTM Oil # 2B
ASTM Oil # 3A
ASTM Oil # 4C
Barium HydroxideA
BenzeneC
BroaxA
Boric AcidA
ButaneA
Calcium BisulfiteA
Calcium ChlorideA
Calcium HydroxideA
Calcium HypochloriteC
Carbon DioxideA
Carbon MonoxideA
Carbon TetrachlorideC
Castor OIlA
Chlorine GasC
Chromic Acid 2%B
Citric AcidA
Copper ChlorideA
Copper Sulfate 10%A
Cottonseed OIlA
CyclohexaneA
Diethyl EtherA
DimethylmethaneB
Distilled VinegarB
Ethyl AcetateC
Ethyl AlcoholC
Ethylene GlycolB
FormaldehydeC
Formic AcidC
Freon 11B
Freon 12A
Freon 22C
Freon 113A
Freon 114A
GasolineB
GlueA
GlycerinA
GreaseA
HexaneB
Home Heating OilB
Hydraulic OilsB
Hydrochloric Acid 20%B
Hydrochloric Acid 37%C
HydrogenA
Hydrogen Peroxide 30%B
Isooctane 70°FA
Isooctane 158°FB
Isopropyl EtherB
KeroseneB
Lime, CausticA
Linseed OilB
Lubricating OilsB
LyeB
Magnesium ChlorideA
Magnesium HudroxideA
MercuryA
Methyl AlcoholC
Methyl Ethyl KetoneC
Mineral OilA
Mineral SpriritsB
Muriatic Acid 20%B
NaphthaB
NaphthaleneB
Nitric Acid 2%B
Nitric Acid 10%C
Oleic AcidA
OzoneA
Palmitic AcidA
PerchloroethyleneC
PhenolC
Phosphoric Acid 20 - 70%A-B
Phosphoric Acid 85%C
Potassium Hydroxide 10%B
Silver NitrateA
Sodium Hydroxide 20%A
Sodium Hydroxide 45%B
Sodium Hypochlorite 1%A-B
Stearic AcidA
Stoddards Solvent 110°FA-B
Stoddards Solvent 140°FC
Sulfuric Acid 5 - 10%A
Sulfuric Acid 10 - 50%B-C
Tannic AcidA
TetrahydofuranC
Tartaric AcidA
TolueneC
TrichloroethyleneC
Tricresyl PhosphateB
Trisodium PhosphateA
Tung OilB
TurpentineC
XyleneC

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.

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