What are the differences in chemical compatibility between polypropylene and PVC cleaners?

Polypropylene and PVC demonstrate significantly different chemical compatibility profiles when exposed to various cleaning agents. Polypropylene exhibits excellent resistance to most aqueous solutions, acids, bases, and many polar solvents due to its non-polar hydrocarbon structure and high crystallinity. It maintains stability with alcohols, detergents, and dilute acids commonly found in household cleaners. However, polypropylene shows poor compatibility with non-polar organic solvents like chlorinated hydrocarbons, ketones, and aromatic compounds which can cause swelling or degradation.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) possesses different compatibility characteristics. While resistant to alcohols, oils, and many inorganic chemicals, PVC is vulnerable to ketones, esters, and aromatic hydrocarbons. Plasticizers in flexible PVC formulations can be extracted by aggressive solvents, leading to material embrittlement. The chlorine content in PVC provides resistance to many chemicals but creates vulnerability to certain solvents that can attack this molecular component.

Critical differences emerge in their response to specific cleaner types: polypropylene generally outperforms PVC with hydrocarbon-based cleaners but shows greater vulnerability to oxidizing acids. PVC demonstrates better resistance to dilute acids but undergoes degradation with ethers and ketones commonly found in industrial degreasers. Material selection should consider specific chemical exposures, as compatibility varies significantly with concentration, temperature, and exposure duration. Always consult chemical resistance charts before applying cleaners to either material.