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PLEXIGLAS® SHEET:
GENERAL CHEMICAL RESISTANCE


Plexiglas® G and MC sheet have excellent resistance to most chemicals, including solution of inorganic alkalies and acids, such as ammonia and sulfuric acid, and aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as hexane, octane and VM & P naphtha.

Table 1 indicates the differences in chemical resistance between Plexiglas® G and MC sheet. Both grades are attacked by aromatic hydrocarbons and dissolve in organic compounds such as acetone (and all ketones), benzene, and toluene. Alcohols are not recommended for use with Plexiglas® sheet since they have been shown to result in crazing. Chemical resistance can be influenced, however, by several factors including stresses generated by fabrication operations and end-use stresses caused by changes in temperature, etc.

Certain gasket and sealant materials while in contact with Plexiglas® sheet could cause crazing of the sheet under certain conditions. Resistance to stress cracking and crazing is dependent on such factors as total stress on the part, temperature and exposure time; consequently, before using any such materials, the end user should test them thoroughly, replicating end-use conditions as closely as possible, to ensure their compatibility.

Suggestions for the use of our products are based on information we believe to be reliable.
Table 1
Chemical Resistance of Plexiglas® Sheet (1)

Weight gain (%) of .236 inch thick sheet after 7 days immersion at 77°F, ASTM D543
(weight change of 1% or less is considered negligible)

% weight gain
%weight gain
COMPOUND
CLASS
NAME
TYPE(2)
CONC., %
G
.236"
MC
.236"
Acids Acetic
glacial
100
R-S
DL
Acetic
5
0.4
0.5
Chromic
40
0.2
4-D
Citric
10
0.3
0.4
Hydrochloric
conc'd
38
0.2
A
Hydrochloric
10
0.3
0.4
Hydrofluoric
40
8.5E
--
Nitric
conc'd
70
A-D
A
Nitric
40
2.8
5-A
Nitric
10
0.3
0.4
Oleic
0.0
-0.1
Sulfuric
conc'd
98
D-R-S
DL
Sulfuric
30
0.2
0.3
Sulfuric
3
0.4
0.5
Bases Ammonium hydroxide
conc'd
28
0.2
0.3
Ammonium hydroxide
10
0.4
0.5
Sodium carbonate
20
0.2
0.3
Sodium carbonate
2
0.4
0.5
Sodium hydroxide
60
-0.2
-0.4
Sodium hydroxide
10
0.3
0.4
Sodium hydroxide
1
04
0.5
Commercial
Products		 Cottonseed oil
edible grade
<0.1
0.1
Detergent solution
heavy duty
0.25
0.5
Kerosene
No. 2 fuel oil
(ASTM D396)
<0.1
0.1
Mineral oil
white, USP
<0.1
0.1
Lacquer thinner
DL
DL
Olive oil
edible grade
<0.1
0.1
Soap solution
white flakes
1
0.5
Transformer oil
(ASTM D1040)
<0.1
0.1
Turpentine
distilled spirit
(ASTM D13)
<0.1
0.1-C
Inorganic Comp'ds Distilled water
0.4
0.6
Hydrogen peroxide
28
0.4
0.8
Hydrogen peroxide
3
0.4
0.6
Sodium chloride
10
0.3
0.5
Sodium hypochlorite
5
0.3
0.4
Organic Comp'ds Acetone
DL
DL
Aniline
DL
DL
Benzene
DL
DL
Carbon tetrachloride (3)
<0.1
A-E
Dibutyl sebacate
-0.1
0.1
Diethyl ether
<0.1-C
R-S
Dimethyl formamide
DL
DL
Ethyl acetate
DL
DL
Ethyl alcohol
95
1.4
4.0
Ethyl alcohol
50
0.8
2.0
Ethylene dichloride
DL
DL
2-Ethylhexyl sebacate
<0.1
0.1
Heptane
0.0
0.1
Isooctane
<0.1
0.1
Isopropyl alcohol
99
0.1
C
Methyl alcohol
5.8-S
A
Phenol (aqueous)
5
A-C
A
Toluene
DL
DL

Chemical Resistance Code:
A = Attacked
C = Crazed
D = Discolored
DL = Dissolved
E=Edge Swelling
R=Rubbery
S = Swollen 		Weight change is affected by the thickness of the material. Values given are for .236" thickness.

(1) Values given are averages and should not be used for specification purposes.
(2) Samples conditioned per ASTM D618, Procedure B, except where noted.
(3) Although exposure to carbon tetrachloride causes only negligible weight change in Plexiglas sheet, it does cause optical distortion of the surface. Carbon tetrachloride should NOT be used on Plexiglas sheet.

Our recommendations are offered in good faith, but without guarantee, as the circumstances surrounding the use of our products and the ways in which they are employed are beyond our control.

The statements, technical information and recommendations obtained herein are believed to be accurate as of the date hereof. Since the conditions and methods of use of the product and of the information referred to herein are beyond our control, Arkema expressly disclaims any and all liability. NO WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WARRANTY OR MERCHANTABILITY, OR ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IS MADE CONCERNING THE GOODS DESCRIBED OR THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN. The information provided herein relates only to the specific product designated and may not be applicable when such product is used in combination with other materials or in any process. The user should thoroughly test any application before commercialization. Nothing contained herein should be construed as an inducement to infringe any patent, and the user is advised to take appropriate steps to be sure that any proposed use of the product will not result in patent infringement.

See MSDS for Health and Safety Considerations.

© 2006 Arkema