Every year, more than 25,000 liquid spills occur in industrial facilities, ranging from oils and fuels to aggressive acids. Up to 70% of these incidents can be traced back to inadequate workplace protection or the use of unsuitable materials. Mobile barriers are no longer just an optional accessory—they have become an essential component of modern industrial safety systems. At the heart of their effectiveness lies the chemical resistance of polymers, which determines whether a barrier can withstand prolonged exposure to petroleum products, fuels, or corrosive substances.
Why Is Chemical Resistance So Important?
Polymers have become the material of choice in many industrial applications due to their low weight, flexibility, and durability. Their role is not only to contain liquids but also to resist their chemical effects over extended periods.
Selecting the wrong material can result in swelling, cracking, loss of structural integrity, or leakage, allowing hazardous substances to escape beyond the designated containment area.
The Most Common Polymer Types and Their Chemical Resistance
1. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
Resistance: Excellent resistance to oils, fuels, alkalis, and most acids.
Temperature Range: Up to approximately +80°C.
Advantages:
- Cost-effective
- Strong and durable
- Does not absorb moisture
Limitations:
- Reduced resistance to strong oxidising agents such as nitric acid and chlorine
Typical Applications:
Ideal for mobile barriers used in automotive, engineering, manufacturing, and logistics environments.
2. PP (Polypropylene)
Resistance: Very good resistance to organic solvents, oils, and fuels.
Temperature Range: Up to +100°C.
Advantages:
- More rigid than polyethylene
- Resistant to most corrosive substances
Limitations:
- Lower UV resistance unless stabilised with UV additives
Typical Applications:
Frequently used for indoor space barriers separating work zones where chemicals are present.
3. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Resistance: Excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, and salt solutions.
Temperature Range: Up to +60°C.
Advantages:
- Easily shaped and fabricated
- Resistant to a wide range of chemicals
Limitations:
- Can become brittle at low temperatures
- Limited resistance to certain aromatic solvents
Typical Applications:
Suitable for protecting people and property in laboratories, maintenance areas, and service facilities.
4. EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Rubber)
Resistance: Excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, and alcohols, but unsuitable for oils and fuels.
Temperature Range: Up to +120°C.
Advantages:
- Highly flexible
- Excellent vibration absorption
Limitations:
- Degrades when exposed to petroleum-based products
Typical Applications:
Ideal for barrier systems used around water-based solutions and chemical cleaning processes, but not where oils or fuels are present.
5. NBR (Nitrile Rubber)
Resistance: Outstanding resistance to oils, fuels, and greases.
Temperature Range: Approximately -30°C to +100°C.
Advantages:
- Flexible and durable
- Excellent oil resistance
Limitations:
- Reduced resistance to ozone and UV radiation
Typical Applications:
Commonly used in sealing components for mobile barriers and in maintenance areas where oils and lubricants are regularly handled.
How to Select the Right Material
When choosing a chemically resistant barrier system, consider the following:
- Identify the substance that may come into contact with the barrier (oil, fuel, acid, alkali, or solvent).
- Consider the operating temperature and frequency of exposure.
- Select the appropriate polymer based on chemical resistance data or manufacturer recommendations.
- Verify compatibility with other system components, including flooring, connectors, and seals.
- Schedule regular inspections and maintenance, as even highly resistant materials can age and gradually lose flexibility over time.
Long-Term Protection Through Smart Material Selection
When the right material is selected, mobile barriers can operate reliably for years with minimal maintenance while protecting workplaces from environmental, operational, and financial losses.
Protecting people and property is not only a matter of investment—it is also a matter of responsibility. Modern polymers are capable of withstanding contact with more than 90% of commonly encountered industrial chemicals. The key is choosing the material best suited to the specific application and operating environment.
Investing in mobile plastic safety barriers delivers long-term benefits in the form of improved safety, enhanced asset protection, and reduced operational costs. If you are interested in tailored solutions for your workplace, do not hesitate to contact the expert team at A-SAFE.
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