CARBOLIC ACID (PHENOL) & PVDF Compatibility

Carbolic Acid (Phenol) (C6H5OH, CAS 108-95-2) is a colorless to pink crystalline solid that melts at about 106°F (41°C), so it is shipped molten or as liquefied phenol (about 90% with water). It is toxic and is rapidly absorbed through the skin. Phenol is used to make bisphenol A, phenolic resins, caprolactam for nylon, alkylphenols and disinfectants. Phenol storage often requires heated, insulated tanks; check the temperature limits of each resin. Use the compatibility ratings to choose the right tank resin, fittings and gaskets.

PVDF temperature limit: 125°F (50°C). That is Arkema’s maximum use temperature for Kynar Flex® 2850 PVDF, the resin we mold, with Phenol. Arkema’s limits are for solid resin at atmospheric pressure and do not account for mixtures. Source: Arkema Kynar® PVDF chemical resistance chart. Confirm your application with Bailiff before ordering.

At a glance

PVDF (Kynar®) is the most economical tank material for Carbolic Acid (Phenol), rated Excellent. Polypropylene is also rated Good or better. Avoid HDPE and nylon tanks; HDPE and PVC fittings; Buna-N gaskets.

  • Excellent No or minor effect. Recommended.
  • Good Slight effect. Generally suitable.
  • Fair Moderate effect. Limited or conditional use — contact us.
  • Not Recommended Severe effect. Do not use.
  • No Data Not tested. Contact us before use.

Tank Resins

How Carbolic Acid (Phenol) works with the plastics used to make our storage tanks.

Material Relative cost Rating
HDPE $ Not Recommended
Polypropylene $$ Good
Nylon $$$ Not Recommended
PVDF (Kynar®) $$$$ Excellent

Fittings

How Carbolic Acid (Phenol) works with the plastics used for tank fittings.

Material Rating
HDPE Not Recommended
PVC Not Recommended
CPVC Good
Polypropylene Good
PVDF Excellent

Gaskets & O-Rings

How Carbolic Acid (Phenol) works with gasket and O-ring materials.

Material Rating
Buna-N Not Recommended
EPDM Good
Viton® Excellent

Metals

How Carbolic Acid (Phenol) works with the metals used for fittings and bolts.

Material Rating
316 Stainless Steel Good
Hastelloy Excellent
Titanium No Data
Aluminum Excellent

Request a PVDF Tank Quote

Storing this chemical in PVDF?

Tanks & Fittings Built for It

PVDF tanks from 25 to 5,000 gallons with fittings installed. Confirm concentration and temperature with us before you order.

Tell Us What You’re Storing

Send the chemical, concentration, temperature and size. We’ll match the tank and fittings and send a quote.