| | Excellent | Resistant at cryogenic and room temperatures |
Alkali | Aluminum Hydroxide | Excellent | Corrosion increases at elevated temperatures and in presence of oxidizers such as chromates or hypochlorates |
Ammonium Hydroxide | Poor | Reduced corrosion resistance due to soluble complex ion formation |
Barium Carbonate | Excellent | Corrosion increases at elevated temperatures and in presence of oxidizers such as chromates or hypochlorates |
Barium Hydroxide | Excellent | Corrosion increases at elevated temperatures and in presence of oxidizers such as chromates or hypochlorates |
Black Liquor, Sulfate Process | Fair | Corrosion rate increases at elevated temperatures or with traces of moisture |
Calcium Hydroxide | Excellent | Corrosion increases at elevated temperatures and in presence of oxidizers such as chromates or hypochlorates |
Lime | Excellent | Corrosion increases at elevated temperatures and in presence of oxidizers such as chromates or hypochlorates |
Lime-Sulfur | Fair | Corrosion rate increases at elevated temperatures or with traces of moisture |
Magnesium Hydroxide | Excellent | Corrosion increases at elevated temperatures and in presence of oxidizers such as chromates or hypochlorates |
Potassium Carbonate | Excellent | Corrosion increases at elevated temperatures and in presence of oxidizers such as chromates or hypochlorates |
Potassium Hydroxide | Excellent | Corrosion increases at elevated temperatures and in presence of oxidizers such as chromates or hypochlorates |
Sodium Bicarbonate | Excellent | Corrosion increases at elevated temperatures and in presence of oxidizers such as chromates or hypochlorates |
Sodium Carbonate | Excellent | Corrosion increases at elevated temperatures and in presence of oxidizers such as chromates or hypochlorates |
Sodium Hydroxide | Excellent | Corrosion increases at elevated temperatures and in presence of oxidizers such as chromates or hypochlorates |
Sodium Phosphate | Excellent | |
Sodium Silicate | Excellent | Corrosion increases at elevated temperatures and in presence of oxidizers such as chromates or hypochlorates |
Sodium Sulfide | Fair | Corrosion rate increases at elevated temperatures or with traces of moisture |
Atmosphere | Atmosphere, Industrial | Excellent | Affected by pollutants and other environmental factors. Hydrogen sulfide causes rapid tarnishing. |
Atmosphere, Marine | Excellent | Protective green basic copper chloride or carbonate patina. |
Atmosphere, Rural | Excellent | Low corrosion rates, no localized attack |
Chlor. organic | Carbon Tetrachloride, Dry | Excellent | Corrosion rate increases at elevated temperatures or with traces of moisture |
Carbon Tetracholoride, Moist | Good | Corrosion rate increases at elevated temperatures |
Chloroform, Dry | Excellent | Corrosion rate increases at elevated temperatures or with traces of moisture |
Ethyl Chloride | Good | Corrosion rate increases at elevated temperatures or with traces of moisture |
Methyl Chloride, Dry | Excellent | Corrosion rate increases at elevated temperatures or with traces of moisture |
Trichlorethylene, Dry | Excellent | Corrosion rate increases at elevated temperatures or with traces of moisture |
Trichlorethylene, Moist | Good | Corrosion rate increases at elevated temperatures |
Fatty acid | Oleic Acid | Excellent | Corrosion rate increases at elevated temperatures or with traces of moisture |
Palmitic Acid | Good | Corrosion rate increases at elevated temperatures or with traces of moisture |
Stearic Acid | Good | Corrosion rate increases at elevated temperatures or with traces of moisture |
Food/beverage | Beer | Excellent | May affect color or taste |
Beet Sugar Syrups | Excellent | May affect color or taste |
Cane Sugar Syrups | Excellent | May affect color or taste |
Carbonated Beverages | Good | Acidity increases corrosion. May affect color or taste. |
Carbonated Water | Good | Acidity increases corrosion. May affect color or taste. |
Cider | Excellent | May affect color or taste |
Coffee | Excellent | May affect color or taste |
Corn Oil | Excellent | May affect color or taste |
Cottonseed Oil | Excellent | May affect color or taste |
Fruit Juices | Good | Acidity increases corrosion. May affect color or taste. |
Gelatine | Excellent | May affect color or taste |
Milk | Excellent | May affect color or taste |
Sugar Solutions | Excellent | May affect color or taste |
Vinegar | Good | Acidity increases corrosion. May affect color or taste. |
Gas | Ammonia, Absolutely Dry | Excellent | Rapid corrosion increases with traces of moisture |
Ammonia, Moist | Poor | More corrosion resistant in dry gas |
Carbon Dioxide, Dry | Excellent | Corrosion increases with trace of moisture |
Carbon Dioxide, Moist | Good | More corrosion resistant in dry gas |
Hydrogen | Excellent | Copper and copper alloys containing copper oxide susceptible to attack |
Oxygen | Excellent | Scaling at elevated temperatures |
Halogen gas | Bromine, Dry | Excellent | Rapid corrosion increases with traces of moisture |
Bromine, Moist | Good | More corrosion resistant in dry gas |
Chlorine, Dry | Excellent | Rapid corrosion increases with traces of moisture |
Chlorine, Moist | Fair | More corrosion resistant in dry gas |
Hydrocarbon | Acetylene | Poor | Forms explosive compound in presence of moisture |
Asphalt | Excellent | Contaminants such as water, sulfides, acids and various organic compounds can increase corrosion significantly |
Benzine | Excellent | Contaminants such as water, sulfides, acids and various organic compounds can increase corrosion significantly |
Benzol | Excellent | Contaminants such as water, sulfides, acids and various organic compounds can increase corrosion significantly |
Butane | Excellent | Contaminants such as water, sulfides, acids and various organic compounds can increase corrosion significantly |
Creosote | Excellent | Contaminants such as water, sulfides, acids and various organic compounds can increase corrosion significantly |
Crude Oil | Good | Careful consideration must be given to specific contaminants when selecting materials for this complex environment |
Freon | Excellent | Contaminants such as water, sulfides, acids and various organic compounds can increase corrosion significantly |
Fuel Oil | Excellent | Contaminants such as water, sulfides, acids and various organic compounds can increase corrosion significantly |
Gasoline | Excellent | Contaminants such as water, sulfides, acids and various organic compounds can increase corrosion significantly |
Hydrocarbons, Pure | Excellent | Contaminants such as water, sulfides, acids and various organic compounds can increase corrosion significantly |
Kerosene | Excellent | Contaminants such as water, sulfides, acids and various organic compounds can increase corrosion significantly |
Natural Gas | Excellent | Contaminants such as water, sulfides, acids and various organic compounds can increase corrosion significantly |
Paraffin | Excellent | Contaminants such as water, sulfides, acids and various organic compounds can increase corrosion significantly |
Propane | Excellent | Contaminants such as water, sulfides, acids and various organic compounds can increase corrosion significantly |
Tar | Not Recommended | Contaminants such as water, sulfides, acids and various organic compounds can increase corrosion significantly |
Turpentine | Excellent | Contaminants such as water, sulfides, acids and various organic compounds can increase corrosion significantly |
Inorg. acid non-ox. | Boric Acid | Excellent | Increased corrosion at elevated temperatures and with oxidizers including oxygen (air), dichromates, permanganates and sulfates |
Carbolic Acid | Good | Increased corrosion at elevated temperatures and with oxidizers including oxygen (air), dichromates, permanganates and sulfates |
Hydrobromic Acid | Fair | Increased corrosion at elevated temperatures and with oxidizers including oxygen (air), dichromates, permanganates and sulfates |
Hydrochloric Acid | Fair | Generally limted to applications in cold, oxidizer free, dilute (<1%) or concentrated solutions |
Hydrocyanic Acid | Poor | Reduced corrosion resistance due to soluble complex ion formation |
Hydrofluoric Acid | Fair | Generally limted to applications in cold, oxidizer free, dilute (<1%) or concentrated solutions |
Hydrofluosilicic Acid | Good | Generally limted to applications in cold, oxidizer free, dilute (<1%) or concentrated solutions |
Phosphoric Acid | Good | Increased corrosion at elevated temperatures and with oxidizers including oxygen (air), dichromates, permanganates and sulfates |
Sulfuric Acid | Good | Not suitable for hot concentrated solutions |
Inorg. acid ox. | Chromic Acid | Poor | Severe oxidizing environment. |
Nitric Acid | Poor | Severe oxidizing environment. |
Sulfurous Acid | Fair | Increased corrosion at elevated temperatures and with oxidizers including oxygen (air), dichromates, permanganates and sulfates |
Liquid metal | Mercury | Poor | Severe liquid metal embrittlement |
Miscellaneous | Glue | Excellent | Low corrosion rates, no localized attack |
Linseed Oil | Good | Low corrosion rates, no localized attack |
Rosin | Excellent | Low corrosion rates, no localized attack |
Sewage | Excellent | Corrosion affected by salt concentration, temperature, velocity, dissolved oxygen content and pollutants. |
Soap Solutions | Excellent | Corrosion affected by salt concentration, temperature, velocity, dissolved oxygen content and pollutants. |
Varnish | Excellent | Low corrosion rates, no localized attack |
Neutral/acid salt | Alum | Good | |
Alumina | Excellent | Low corrosion rates, no localized attack |
Aluminum Chloride | Good | Strong agitation and aeration increases corrosion |
Aluminum Sulfate | Good | Suitable for neutral or alkaline conditions |
Ammonium Chloride | Poor | Reduced corrosion resistance due to soluble complex ion formation |
Ammonium Sulfate | Fair | Reduced corrosion resistance due to soluble complex ion formation |
Barium Chloride | Good | Strong agitation and aeration increases corrosion |
Barium Sulfate | Excellent | Low corrosion rates, no localized attack |
Barium Sulfide | Fair | High zinc content alloys preferred |
Calcium Chloride | Excellent | Hydrolylsis produces weak acidic condition |
Carbon Disulfide | Good | High zinc content alloys preferred |
Magnesium Chloride | Good | Hydrolylsis produces weak acidic condition |
Magnesium Sulfate | Excellent | Low corrosion rates, no localized attack |
Potassium Chloride | Excellent | Hydrolylsis produces weak acidic condition |
Potassium Cyanide | Poor | Reduced corrosion resistance due to soluble complex ion formation |
Potassium Dichromate Acid | Poor | Highly oxidizing under acidic conditions |
Potassium Sulfate | Excellent | Low corrosion rates, no localized attack |
Sodium Bisulfate | Excellent | Suitable for neutral or alkaline conditions |
Sodium Chloride | Excellent | Hydrolylsis produces weak acidic condition |
Sodium Cyanide | Poor | Low corrosion rates, no localized attack |
Sodium Dichromate, Acid | Poor | Highly oxidizing under acidic conditions |
Sodium Sulfate | Excellent | Low corrosion rates, no localized attack |
Sodium Sulfite | Good | Suitable for neutral or alkaline conditions |
Sodium Thiosulfate | Fair | High zinc content alloys preferred |
Zinc Chloride | Fair | Hydrolylsis produces weak acidic condition |
Zinc Sulfate | Good | Suitable for neutral or alkaline conditions |
Org. solvent | Acetone | Excellent | Resistant up to 200F unless contaminated by water, acids, alkalies or salts |
Alcohols | Excellent | Resistant up to 200F unless contaminated by water, acids, alkalies or salts |
Amyl Acetate | Excellent | |
Amyl Alcohol | Excellent | |
Butyl Alcohol | Excellent | Resistant up to 200F unless contaminated by water, acids, alkalies or salts |
Ethers | Excellent | Resistant up to 200F unless contaminated by water, acids, alkalies or salts |
Ethyl Acetate | Excellent | |
Ethyl Alcohol | Excellent | Resistant up to 200F unless contaminated by water, acids, alkalies or salts |
Lacquer Solvents | Excellent | Resistant up to 200F unless contaminated by water, acids, alkalies or salts |
Methyl Alcohol | Excellent | |
Toluene | Excellent | Resistant up to 200F unless contaminated by water, acids, alkalies or salts |
Organic acid | Acetic Acid | Good | Useful corrosion resistance with moderate oxidizers levels and <5% chlorides. Optimum resistance at room temperature and above boiling point. |
Acetic Anhydride | Good | Useful corrosion resistance with moderate oxidizers levels and <5% chlorides. Optimum resistance at room temperature and above boiling point. |
Benzoic Acid | Excellent | Useful corrosion resistance with moderate oxidizers levels and <5% chlorides. Optimum resistance at room temperature and above boiling point. |
Butyric Acid | Excellent | Useful corrosion resistance with moderate oxidizers levels and <5% chlorides. Optimum resistance at room temperature and above boiling point. |
Chloracetic Acid | Good | Useful corrosion resistance with moderate oxidizers levels and <5% chlorides. Optimum resistance at room temperature and above boiling point. |
Citric Acid | Excellent | Useful corrosion resistance with moderate oxidizers levels and <5% chlorides. Optimum resistance at room temperature and above boiling point. |
Formic Acid | Excellent | Useful corrosion resistance with moderate oxidizers levels and <5% chlorides. Optimum resistance at room temperature and above boiling point. |
Lactic Acid | Excellent | Useful corrosion resistance with moderate oxidizers levels and <5% chlorides. Optimum resistance at room temperature and above boiling point. |
Oxalic Acid | Excellent | Useful corrosion resistance with moderate oxidizers levels and <5% chlorides. Optimum resistance at room temperature and above boiling point. |
Tannic Acid | Excellent | Useful corrosion resistance with moderate oxidizers levels and <5% chlorides. Optimum resistance at room temperature and above boiling point. |
Tartaric Acid | Excellent | Useful corrosion resistance with moderate oxidizers levels and <5% chlorides. Optimum resistance at room temperature and above boiling point. |
Trichloracetic Acid | Good | Useful corrosion resistance with moderate oxidizers levels and <5% chlorides. Optimum resistance at room temperature and above boiling point. |
Organic comp. | Aniline | Fair | Corrosion rate increases at elevated temperatures or with traces of moisture |
Aniline Dyes | Fair | Corrosion rate increases at elevated temperatures or with traces of moisture |
Castor Oil | Excellent | Low corrosion rates, no localized attack |
Ethylene Glycol | Excellent | Low corrosion rates, no localized attack |
Formaldehyde | Excellent | Low corrosion rates, no localized attack |
Furfural | Excellent | Low corrosion rates, no localized attack |
Glucose | Excellent | Low corrosion rates, no localized attack |
Glycerine | Excellent | Low corrosion rates, no localized attack |
Lacquers | Excellent | Low corrosion rates, no localized attack |
Oxidizing salt | Ammonium Nitrate | Poor | Reduced corrosion resistance due to soluble complex ion formation |
Bleaching Powder, Wet | Good | Useful corrosion resistance with moderate oxidizers levels and <5% chlorides. Optimum resistance at room temperature and above boiling point. |
Borax | Excellent | Low corrosion rates, no localized attack |
Bordeaux Mixture | Excellent | Low corrosion rates, no localized attack |
Calcium Bisulfite | Good | Useful corrosion resistance with moderate oxidizers levels and <5% chlorides. Optimum resistance at room temperature and above boiling point. |
Calcium Hypochlorite | Good | Useful corrosion resistance with moderate oxidizers levels and <5% chlorides. Optimum resistance at room temperature and above boiling point. |
Copper Chloride | Fair | Severe oxidizing environment. |
Copper Nitrate | Fair | Oxidizing environment |
Copper Sulfate | Good | Hydrolylsis produces weak acidic condition |
Ferric Chloride | Poor | Severe oxidizing environment. |
Ferric Sulfate | Poor | Severe oxidizing environment. |
Ferrous Chloride | Good | Strong agitation and aeration increases corrosion |
Ferrous Sulfate | Good | Hydrolylsis produces weak acidic condition |
Hydrogen Peroxide | Good | Oxidizing environment |
Mercury Salts | Poor | Noble metal salt, plates on copper surface |
Potassium Chromate | Excellent | Suitable for neutral or alkaline conditions |
Silver Salts | Poor | Noble metal salt, plates on copper surface |
Sodium Bisulfite | Excellent | Useful corrosion resistance with moderate oxidizers levels and <5% chlorides. Optimum resistance at room temperature and above boiling point. |
Sodium Chromate | Excellent | Suitable for neutral or alkaline conditions |
Sodium Hypochlorite | Fair | Useful corrosion resistance with moderate oxidizers levels and <5% chlorides. Optimum resistance at room temperature and above boiling point. |
Sodium Nitrate | Excellent | Useful corrosion resistance with moderate oxidizers levels and <5% chlorides. Optimum resistance at room temperature and above boiling point. |
Sodium Peroxide | Good | Low corrosion rates, no localized attack |
Sulfur comp. | Hydrogen Sulfide, Dry | Excellent | Rapid corrosion increases with traces of moisture |
Hydrogen Sulfide, Moist | Poor | High zinc content alloys preferred |
Sulfur Chloride, Dry | Excellent | Rapid corrosion increases with traces of moisture |
Sulfur Dioxide, Dry | Excellent | Scaling at elevated temperatures |
Sulfur Dioxide, Moist | Fair | Mixed oxide and sulfide scale forms |
Sulfur Trioxide, Dry | Excellent | Corrosion increases with trace of moisture |
Sulfur, Dry | Good | High zinc content alloys preferred |
Sulfur, Molten | Poor | Forms non-protective copper sulfide |
Water | Brines | Excellent | Resistant to most oxidizers. Refer to specific salt solution ratings. |
Mine Water | Fair | Acidic waters containing oxidizers are highly corrosive. |
Sea Water | Excellent | Corrosion affected by salt concentration, temperature, velocity, dissolved oxygen content and pollutants. |
Steam | Excellent | Resistant to pure steam. Carbon dixide, dissolved oxygen can increase corrosion. Resistant to ammonia attack. |
Water, Potable | Excellent | Corrosion affected by water chemistry (mineral content, acidity) system design and fabrication. Free carbon dioxide can cause pitting in cold water. Pitting in hot water caused by cathodic deposits. |