What tubing is most chemically resistant?

PTFE and PFA are the most chemically resistant common tubing materials — they resist virtually all acids, bases, solvents, and oxidizers and are rated to about 500°F. PFA adds better flexibility and clarity; PTFE is stiffer and slightly lower cost.

Can PVC tubing handle solvents like acetone?

No. PVC is dissolved or severely softened by ketones (acetone, MEK), esters, and aromatic/chlorinated solvents. Use PTFE or PFA tubing for those fluids.

Is polyethylene tubing good for chlorine?

PE is rated fair-to-good for sodium hypochlorite at ambient temperature but degrades over time with oxidizer exposure. For chlorine and hypochlorite dosing, PVC or fluoropolymer tubing lasts longer.

Does temperature affect tubing chemical compatibility?

Yes. Higher temperature lowers resistance and approaches the material's thermal limit. PE and PVC top out near 140°F, while PTFE and PFA hold to about 500°F. Always check ratings at your operating temperature.

What tubing should I use for high-purity or lab work?

PFA is the standard for high-purity, analytical, and semiconductor applications because it is inert, low-leaching, translucent for flow visibility, and rated to 500°F.

Chemical Compatibility Chart for Poly Tubing | Apex Flow

Plastic tubing fails in three predictable ways when the material is wrong for the fluid: it swells and softens, it embrittles and cracks, or it permeates and weeps. Each is avoidable by matching the polymer to the chemistry before installation. This chart rates the four most common poly tubing materials — polyethylene (PE), PVC, PTFE, and PFA — against the acids, caustics, solvents, and oxidizers handled in water treatment, chemical feed, and laboratory systems.

Apex Flow Solutions stocks poly tubing in PE, PVC, and fluoropolymer grades. Use the ratings below to confirm compatibility, then verify temperature and concentration before you order.

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Chemical Compatibility Chart for Poly Tubing | Apex Flow