Materials
PP vs PVDF vs PVC: Choosing a Plastic Nozzle Material
The wrong plastic can soften, crack or swell within weeks. This guide compares the five plastics used for spray nozzles and when to use each.
Start with your liquid and temperature
Two questions decide the material: what is being sprayed, and how hot is it? Pressure and the presence of solids come next.
| Material | Typical max. temperature* | Chemical resistance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polypropylene (PP) | about 80°C | Most acids, alkalis and salts | General chemical, scrubbers, agriculture |
| PVDF | about 120°C | Very broad, incl. oxidisers and many solvents | Hot or aggressive chemicals |
| PVC | about 50–60°C | Good for water, many acids and alkalis | Low-cost cold water duties |
| Nylon (PA) | about 80°C | Good for oils and many solvents; weak with acids | Agricultural and wear-resistant parts |
| Acetal (POM, “Delrin”) | about 80°C | Good for neutral liquids and fuels; weak with strong acids | Precision, high-strength parts |
*Typical guide values. The safe limit depends on pressure, concentration and duty. Always share your chemical and temperature so we can confirm the material.
Polypropylene (PP)
The default for most duties. PP resists most acids, alkalis and salts, is light and low cost. It is less suitable for strong oxidisers, many solvents and high temperatures. See PP nozzles.
PVDF
A fluoropolymer with excellent resistance to a very wide range of chemicals, including many oxidisers and solvents, and a higher temperature limit than PP. It costs more, so it is used where PP would not last.
PVC
A low-cost plastic that works well with water and many acids and alkalis at ambient temperature. It is best kept to cold duties.
Nylon (PA)
Tough and wear-resistant, with good resistance to oils and many solvents, but weak against acids. Common in agricultural parts.
Acetal (POM)
Often sold under the brand Delrin®. Strong, stiff and dimensionally stable, so it suits precision parts. Avoid strong acids and oxidisers.
Quick selection rules
- Water or mild chemicals, cold: PVC or PP.
- Acids, alkalis or salts up to moderate temperature: PP.
- Hot liquids, oxidisers or solvents: PVDF.
- Agricultural sprays: PP or nylon.
- When in doubt, send us the chemical name, strength and temperature.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Which plastic is best for acid spraying?
PP handles most acids at moderate temperature. For hot acids or strong oxidising acids, PVDF is safer.
Is PVDF worth the extra cost?
Yes, when PP or PVC would degrade. A PVDF nozzle that lasts years costs less than repeated PP replacements and downtime.
Can you confirm chemical compatibility?
Yes. Share the chemical, concentration and temperature and we will recommend a material.
Not sure which nozzle fits your line?
Tell us the liquid, pressure and coverage you need. A nozzle engineer will recommend the right type, size and material.