We get a lot of inquiries about commoly used water treatment materials, chemicals, and adjuncts. Here is our experience:
Key:
- R: Resistant (little to no effect)
- L: Limited Resistance (moderate effects; testing recommended)
- N: Not Resistant (severe effects; not recommended)
| Chemical | Cellulose | Polypropylene (PP) | Polyethylene (PE) | PVC | GAC | Fiberglass Epoxy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | R | R | R | R | R | R |
| Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite) | L | R | R | R (low conc.) | L | R |
| Vinegar (Acetic Acid, dilute) | R | R | R | R | R | R |
| Ammonia (Household) | R | R | R | R | R | R |
| Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol) | R | R | R | L | R | R |
| Hydrogen Peroxide | L | R | R | R | L | R |
| Acetone | N | L | L | N | R | N |
| Gasoline | N | L | L | N | R | R |
| Motor Oil | N | R | R | R | R | R |
| Hydrochloric Acid (dilute) | L | R | R | R | R | R |
| Sulfuric Acid (dilute) | L | R | R | R | R | R |
| Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda) | N | R | R | R (low conc.) | R | L |
| Ethanol (Ethyl Alcohol) | R | R | R | L | R | R |
| Turpentine | N | L | L | N | R | L |
| Chlorine (concentrated) | N | L | R | L | L | R |
| Chlorine Dioxide | N | L | R | L | L | R |
| Ozone | N | L | R | L | L | L |
| Potassium Permanganate | L | R | R | R | L | R |
| Aluminum Sulfate (Alum) | R | R | R | R | R | R |
| Ferric Chloride | L | R | R | R | R | R |
| Calcium Hypochlorite | L | R | R | R (low conc.) | L | R |
| Sodium Bisulfite | R | R | R | R | R | R |
| Polyaluminum Chloride (PAC) | R | R | R | R | R | R |
| Fluoride (Sodium Fluoride) | R | R | R | R | R | R |
| Lime (Calcium Hydroxide) | R | R | R | R | R | R |
Notes on Materials:
- Cellulose: Degrades with strong oxidants (e.g., ozone, chlorine) and organic solvents; resists dilute acids and salts.
- Polypropylene (PP): Resists acids, bases, and salts; limited resistance to strong oxidants and hydrocarbons.
- Polyethylene (PE): Highly resistant to most chemicals, including oxidants; less resistant to hydrocarbons and solvents over time.
- PVC: Good for acids, bases, and salts; vulnerable to organic solvents and strong oxidants at high concentrations.
- Granular Activated Carbon (GAC): Stable with most substances but degraded by strong oxidants (e.g., ozone, chlorine), reducing adsorption capacity.
- Fiberglass Epoxy: Epoxy resin with fiberglass reinforcement; excellent resistance to water, acids, and many chemicals, but vulnerable to strong solvents (e.g., acetone) and strong bases (e.g., concentrated sodium hydroxide). Oxidants like ozone may cause surface degradation over time.
Fiberglass Epoxy-Specific Insights:
- Solvents (e.g., Acetone, Turpentine): Acetone severely damages epoxy by breaking down the resin; turpentine has a milder effect but can soften it over time.
- Strong Bases (e.g., Sodium Hydroxide): Limited resistance; high concentrations or prolonged exposure can degrade the epoxy matrix.
- Oxidants (e.g., Ozone): Limited resistance; ozone can oxidize the epoxy surface, leading to cracking or weakening over time.
- Acids (e.g., Hydrochloric, Sulfuric): Highly resistant; dilute acids have little effect on fiberglass epoxy.
- Hydrocarbons (e.g., Gasoline, Motor Oil): Resistant; these typically don’t penetrate or degrade the epoxy structure.
Additional Considerations:
- Concentration: High concentrations of oxidants or solvents reduce compatibility for GAC, PVC, PP, and Fiberglass Epoxy.
- Temperature: Elevated temperatures worsen compatibility (e.g., PP with turpentine, Fiberglass Epoxy with acetone above 40°C).
- Exposure Time: Prolonged exposure to aggressive chemicals (e.g., ozone, acetone) degrades even resistant materials like PE or Fiberglass Epoxy.