Xylene (dimethylbenzene, C8H10, CAS 1330-20-7) is a mixture of ortho-, meta- and para-xylene and ethylbenzene. It is a clear, flammable aromatic solvent with a specific gravity of about 0.86, a boiling point of 279°F to 291°F (137°C to 144°C) and a flash point near 81°F (27°C). Xylene is used in paints, coatings, pesticide formulations, cleaners and degreasers, and para-xylene is the feedstock for PET plastic. Use the compatibility ratings to choose the right tank resin, fittings and gaskets.
Nylon is the most economical tank material for Xylene, rated Excellent. PVDF (Kynar®) and polypropylene are also rated Good or better. Avoid HDPE tanks; HDPE, PVC and CPVC fittings; Buna-N and EPDM gaskets.
How Xylene works with the plastics used to make our storage tanks.
| Material | Relative cost | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| HDPE $ | $$$$ | D Not Recommended |
| Polypropylene $$ | $$$$ | B Good |
| Nylon $$$ | $$$$ | A Excellent |
| PVDF (Kynar®) $$$$ | $$$$ | A Excellent |
How Xylene works with the plastics used for tank fittings.
| Material | Rating |
|---|---|
| HDPE | D Not Recommended |
| PVC | D Not Recommended |
| CPVC | D Not Recommended |
| Polypropylene | B Good |
| PVDF | A Excellent |
How Xylene works with gasket and O-ring materials.
| Material | Rating |
|---|---|
| Buna-N | D Not Recommended |
| EPDM | D Not Recommended |
| Viton® | B Good |
How Xylene works with the metals used for fittings and bolts.
| Material | Rating |
|---|---|
| 316 Stainless Steel | B Good |
| Hastelloy | A Excellent |
| Titanium | — No Data |
| Aluminum | A Excellent |
Storing this chemical in polypropylene?
Polypropylene tanks from 25 to 6,000 gallons with polypropylene fittings installed. Confirm concentration and temperature with us before you order.
Send the chemical, concentration, temperature and size. We’ll match the tank and fittings and send a quote.