The following pages are offered as a general guide and inspection of the suitability of various elastomers in use today for service in these chemicals and fluids. The ratings are based, for the most part, on published literature of various polymer suppliers and rubber manufacturers but, in some cases, they are the considered opinion of experienced compounders. We cannot guarantee their accuracy nor assume responsibility for use thereof. Several factors must always be considered in using a rubber part in service. The most important as we see them are:

• The Temperature of Service: Higher temperatures increase the effect of all chemicals on polymers. The increase varies with the polymer and the chemical. A compound quite suitable at room temperature might fail miserably at elevated temperatures.
• Conditions of Service: A compound that swells badly might still function well as a static seal yet fail in any dynamic application.
• The Grade of the Polymer: Many types of polymers are available in different grades that vary greatly in chemical resistance.
• The Compound Itself: Compound designed for other outstanding properties may be poorer in performance in a chemical then one designed especially for fluid resistance.

FLUID CHART KEY                                                                                                            

	Natural Rubber	Buna N	EPDM	Hypalon®	Viton®
Material & ASTM Designation	Natural Rubber NR Isoprene IR	Nitrile NBR	Ethylene Propylene EPDM EPDM	Hypalon® CSM	Fluoro Elastomer FPM
Chemical Group	Poly Isoprene	Butadiene Acrylonitrile Copolymer & Terpolymer	Ethylene Propylene Copolymer & Terpolymer	Chloro-Sulfonated Polyethylene	Fluorocarbon Polymer
Generally Resistant To:	Most moderate Chemicals-Wet or Dry, Organic acids, Alcohols, Ketones, Aldehydes	Many Hydrocarbons, Fats, Oils, Greases, Hydraulic Fluids, Chemicals	Animal & Vegetable oils, Ozone, Strong and Oxidizing chemicals	Similar to Neoprene with improved Acid resistance	All Aliphatic. Arinatuc and Halogenated Hydrocarbons, Acids, Animal & Vegetable Oils
Generally Attacked By:	Ozone, Strong Acids, Fats, Oils, Greases, Most Hydrocarbons	Ozone, Ketones, Esters, Aldehydes, Chlorinated & Nitro Hydrocarbons (Except PVC blends)	Mineral Oils & Solvents, Aromatics	HydrocarbonsConcentrated Oxidizing Acids, Esters, Ketones, Chlorinated, Aromatic & Nitro Hydrocarbons	Ketones, Low Mole Weight Esters & Nitro Containing Compounds

 

A -- Little or Minor Effect B -- Minor to Moderate Effect C -- Moderate to Severe Effect U -- Not Recommended * -- No Data or Insufficient Evidence

It should be noted that it is not expected that a polymer unrated would perform better than those that are rated

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