Potassium Hydroxide (Caustic Potash) (KOH, CAS 1310-58-3) is a strong alkali sold as white flakes or pellets and as 45% to 50% liquid with a specific gravity of about 1.45 to 1.50. It is highly corrosive to skin and eyes, generates heat when diluted and attacks aluminum, zinc and tin. KOH is used for liquid soaps, potassium carbonate and phosphates, fertilizers, alkaline battery electrolyte, biodiesel and food processing. Use the compatibility ratings to choose the right tank resin, fittings and gaskets.
Safety data: Potassium Hydroxide 30–55% Safety Data Sheet (SDS) – Olin
HDPE is the most economical tank material for POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE (Caustic Potash), rated Excellent. Polypropylene is also rated Good or better. Avoid PVDF (Kynar®) tanks, PVDF fittings and aluminum hardware. Rated Fair (contact us before use): nylon tanks.
How POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE (Caustic Potash) works with the plastics used to make our storage tanks.
| Material | Rating |
|---|---|
| HDPE | |
| Polypropylene | |
| Nylon | |
| PVDF (Kynar®) |
How POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE (Caustic Potash) works with the plastics used for tank fittings.
| Material | Rating |
|---|---|
| HDPE | |
| PVC | |
| CPVC | |
| Polypropylene | |
| PVDF |
How POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE (Caustic Potash) works with gasket and O-ring materials.
| Material | Rating |
|---|---|
| Buna-N | |
| EPDM | |
| Viton® |
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