What materials are compatible with methanol?
Pure methanol is non-corrosive to most metals (not including lead, magnesium and platinum) at ambient temperatures. However, coatings of copper (or copper alloys), zinc (including galvanized steel) or aluminum are attacked at high temperatures and more slowly at ambient temperatures. Stainless steel and carbon steel are typically used in Methanex plants. Plastics are generally not recommended for storage purposes due to long-term deterioration of the material and the subsequent risk of methanol contamination. Many resins, nylons and rubbers, particularly nitrile (Buna-N), ethylene-propylene, teflon and neoprene are used satisfactorily as components of equipment in methanol service.
