5 Common Corrosion-Resistant Plastics

April 23, 2025
6:31 am

In the modern industrial landscape, selecting the right materials is more crucial than ever—especially when dealing with harsh chemicals, corrosive fluids, or extreme environments. Traditional materials like metals often corrode, rust, or degrade when exposed to these aggressive conditions, leading to safety risks, equipment failure, and high maintenance costs. That’s where corrosion resistant plastics come into play.

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Corrosion resistant plastics, also known as corrosion resistant polymers, offer a powerful alternative to metals. They are specifically engineered to withstand prolonged exposure to acids, bases, solvents, and other corrosive agents without losing their structural integrity or chemical resistance. These materials not only extend the service life of components but also reduce operational costs in demanding industries such as chemical processing, water treatment, semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and food production.

Among the wide range of available corrosion plastics, certain polymers stand out for their exceptional performance. One of the most versatile and chemically inert options is PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene). Known for its non-reactivity and high-temperature tolerance, PTFE—especially in the form of PTFE tubes—has become a go-to solution for fluid transport and containment systems in ultra-corrosive environments.

In this blog post, we’ll explore five of the most common corrosion-resistant plastics, including PTFE, PVDF, PEEK, CPVC, and polypropylene. We’ll discuss what makes each one unique, where they’re used, and why they’ve become the backbone of corrosion control in plastic engineering.

1. PTFE : The Gold Standard in Corrosion Resistant Plastics

Unmatched Chemical Resistance

PTFE is virtually impervious to attack from almost all chemicals—including strong acids, bases, and solvents. This makes it an ideal corrosion plastic for handling aggressive substances that would quickly degrade other materials.

Wide Temperature Tolerance

PTFE maintains its properties over a broad temperature range, from -200°C to +260°C. It does not melt under standard processing temperatures, making it suitable for both extremely hot and cold systems.

PTFE Tube: A Versatile Fluid Handling Solution

PTFE tubes are widely used to transport high-purity or highly corrosive fluids, offering smooth interior surfaces that reduce pressure loss and prevent material build-up. Applications include:

Chemical transfer in process equipment
High-purity water or acid lines in cleanrooms
Insulation of electrical wiring in corrosive atmospheres
Medical device tubing requiring biocompatibility

Additional Benefits

Non-stick surface prevents material buildup
Low friction reduces wear and energy losses
UV and weather resistant
FDA-compliant grades for food and pharmaceutical use

2. PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride): Tough, Stable, and Chemically Resistant

Excellent Chemical Resistance

PVDF withstands harsh environments involving hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, chlorine, and bromine, making it an excellent choice for handling aggressive chemicals.

Strong and Semi-Flexible

PVDF offers better tensile strength and rigidity compared to PTFE, making it suitable for structural applications like sheet linings, valves, and fittings.

Common Industrial Applications

Chemical processing equipment: tanks, pumps, valves, and pipes
Electrical insulation: due to its excellent dielectric properties
Semiconductor and pharmaceutical facilities

3. PEEK (Polyetheretherketone): High-Performance Engineering Plastic for Extreme Conditions

Superior Mechanical and Thermal Properties

PEEK combines high tensile and flexural strength with excellent thermal stability, operating continuously at temperatures up to 260°C.

Chemical and Hydrolysis Resistance

PEEK resists degradation from most chemicals and is resistant to hydrolysis, performing well in hot water or steam applications.

Key Applications of PEEK

Oil and gas: downhole tools and insulators
Aerospace and automotive: high-load structural parts
Medical devices: sterilizable surgical instruments

4. CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride): Cost-Effective Corrosion Plastic for Industrial Fluids

Good Chemical Resistance

CPVC resists a wide range of acids, alkalis, salts, and alcohols, suitable for many corrosive fluid systems.

Higher Temperature Capability than Standard PVC

CPVC can operate at temperatures up to 93°C, suitable for hot water and moderately hot chemical applications.

Common Applications of CPVC

Industrial piping systems for chemical distribution
Water treatment plants for transporting chlorinated water
Fire sprinkler systems with high heat resistance

5. Polypropylene (PP): Lightweight, Chemically Resistant, and Budget-Friendly

Excellent Resistance to Chemicals

Polypropylene resists many acids, bases, and organic solvents, ideal for non-pressurized or low-pressure systems involving corrosive substances.

Lightweight and Easy to Handle

PP is one of the lightest engineering plastics, ideal for large-scale piping systems where weight savings are essential.

Common Applications of Polypropylene

Acid and base tanks for bulk storage
Laboratory furniture and chemical trays
Fume hoods and ducting in corrosive air environments

In conclusion, corrosion resistant plastics like PTFE, PVDF, PEEK, CPVC, and polypropylene offer significant advantages over traditional materials in harsh environments. By choosing the right polymer for specific applications, industries can enhance safety, reduce maintenance costs, and extend the service life of components.

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