Container Material Properties & Selection
Comprehensive guide to industrial container materials. Understand material properties, chemical compatibility, temperature ranges, and application recommendations to select the optimal container material for your specific requirements.
Request a Quote
Fill out the form below and our team will respond promptly.
Steel Container Materials
Steel drums provide maximum strength and durability for demanding industrial applications. Various grades and coatings address different chemical and environmental requirements.
Carbon Steel (Cold-Rolled)
ASTM A366/A1008
The industry standard for industrial drums. Cold-rolled carbon steel provides excellent strength, durability, and formability at economical cost. Available in various gauges from 16 to 22.
- • Tensile strength: 42,000-65,000 PSI
- • Excellent impact resistance
- • Fully recyclable (infinitely)
- • Magnetic (easy sorting)
- • Temperature range: -40°F to 400°F
- • Requires coating to prevent corrosion
Epoxy phenolic • Polyethylene • Rust inhibitor • Zinc silicate • Bare (unlined)
Petroleum products, Industrial chemicals, Hazardous materials, Solvents, Adhesives, Paints
Strong acids without lining, Strong oxidizers, Outdoor exposure without protection, Food contact without FDA lining
Galvanized Steel
ASTM A653
Carbon steel coated with zinc for enhanced corrosion resistance. The zinc layer provides sacrificial protection—it corrodes before the underlying steel.
- • Zinc coating: 0.5-2.0 oz/sq ft
- • Self-healing corrosion protection
- • Extended outdoor durability
- • Temperature range: -40°F to 400°F
- • Compatible with most water-based products
- • Higher cost than plain carbon steel
Usually unlined • Epoxy available for chemical applications
Water storage, Outdoor applications, Agricultural chemicals, Marine environments, Long-term storage
Strong acids (destroys zinc), Ammonia solutions, Copper-containing products, Products over pH 12.5
Stainless Steel (304)
ASTM A240 Type 304
Chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steel offering superior corrosion resistance. The "workhorse" stainless for general chemical and food applications.
- • Composition: 18% chromium, 8% nickel
- • Excellent corrosion resistance
- • Temperature range: -320°F to 1500°F
- • Non-magnetic (mostly)
- • Easy to clean and sanitize
- • FDA approved for food contact
Usually unlined—lining defeats purpose
Pharmaceutical, Food processing, Cosmetics, Corrosive chemicals, High-purity applications, Dairy
Chloride environments (use 316), Reducing acids, Sulfur compounds at high temp, Budget-constrained projects
Stainless Steel (316)
ASTM A240 Type 316
Molybdenum-enhanced stainless steel with superior resistance to chlorides and pitting corrosion. The premium choice for demanding chemical environments.
- • Composition: 16% Cr, 10% Ni, 2% Mo
- • Superior chloride resistance
- • Excellent pitting resistance
- • Temperature range: -320°F to 1500°F
- • Higher cost than 304 SS
- • FDA approved for food contact
Usually unlined
Marine environments, Chlorinated chemicals, Pharmaceutical (critical), Brackish water, Bleach/chlorine, Coastal food processing
Concentrated hydrochloric acid, Hot sulfuric acid, Cost-sensitive applications where 304 suffices
Plastic Container Materials
Plastic containers offer lightweight, corrosion-free containment with excellent chemical resistance to many substances. Material selection depends on chemical compatibility and temperature requirements.
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
FDA 21 CFR 177.1520
The most common plastic for industrial drums and IBC bottles. HDPE offers excellent chemical resistance, durability, and food-grade compliance at moderate cost.
- • Density: 0.95-0.97 g/cm³
- • Temperature range: -40°F to 140°F
- • Excellent chemical resistance
- • UV stabilized options available
- • FDA compliant for food contact
- • 100% recyclable
Most acids, Bases up to 50%, Alcohols, Water, Detergents
Weak oxidizers, Vegetable oils, Mineral oils
Strong oxidizers, Aromatic solvents, Chlorinated solvents, Ketones
LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
FDA 21 CFR 177.1520
More flexible than HDPE with similar chemical resistance. Commonly used for liners inside rigid containers rather than structural containers.
- • Density: 0.91-0.94 g/cm³
- • Temperature range: -40°F to 120°F
- • More flexible than HDPE
- • Good impact resistance at low temps
- • Excellent moisture barrier
- • FDA compliant
Dilute acids/bases, Alcohols, Water, Glycols
Esters, Aldehydes, Weak oxidizers
Aromatic solvents, Halogenated solvents, Strong oxidizers
Polypropylene (PP)
FDA 21 CFR 177.1520
Higher temperature resistance than HDPE with similar chemical properties. Common for bulk bag fabric and some specialty containers.
- • Density: 0.90-0.91 g/cm³
- • Temperature range: -20°F to 180°F
- • Higher heat resistance than PE
- • Excellent fatigue resistance
- • Good chemical resistance
- • Lower impact strength at cold temps
Dilute acids/bases, Alcohols, Water, Oils
Strong acids, Strong bases, Oxidizers
Chlorinated solvents, Aromatic solvents, Strong oxidizers
Fluoropolymers (PTFE/PFA)
FDA 21 CFR 177.1550
Premium materials offering unmatched chemical resistance and temperature range. Used for linings and specialty applications where cost is secondary to performance.
- • Temperature range: -330°F to 500°F
- • Universal chemical resistance
- • Non-stick surface
- • Very high cost
- • Difficult to bond/repair
- • Excellent purity
Virtually all chemicals, Strong acids, Strong bases, Oxidizers, Solvents
Everything except molten alkali metals
Molten alkali metals only
Fiber Drum Materials
Fiber drums provide eco-friendly, cost-effective packaging for dry goods. Biodegradable and recyclable, they support sustainability initiatives.
Standard Kraft Fiber
Multi-ply spiral wound
Standard fiber drum construction using recycled and virgin kraft paperboard. Economical choice for general dry goods packaging.
- • Wall thickness: 3-12 ply
- • Burst strength: 200-500 PSI
- • Compression strength: 500-2000 lbs
- • Biodegradable
- • Recyclable (paper stream)
- • Made from 50-95% recycled content
- • Unlined
- • Polyethylene
- • Foil laminate
- • Wax
- • Food-grade PE
Powders, Granules, Dry chemicals, Food ingredients, Pharmaceutical powders
Liquids (unless lined), Outdoor storage, High humidity environments, Heavy materials
Biodegradable • Recyclable • Low manufacturing energy • Renewable source
Chemical Compatibility Chart
Quick reference for material compatibility with common chemicals. Always verify compatibility for your specific concentration and temperature.
| Chemical | Carbon Steel | SS 304 | SS 316 | HDPE | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acetic Acid (10%) | Fair | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Ammonia (10%) | Fair | Good | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Bleach (NaOCl) | Poor | Fair | Good | Good | Good |
| Caustic Soda (50%) | Fair | Good | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Citric Acid | Poor | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Diesel Fuel | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Ethanol | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Gasoline | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Fair | Fair |
| Hydrochloric Acid (10%) | Poor | Poor | Fair | Excellent | Excellent |
| Hydrogen Peroxide (30%) | Poor | Fair | Good | Good | Good |
| Motor Oil | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Nitric Acid (10%) | Poor | Good | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Phosphoric Acid (10%) | Fair | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Sodium Hydroxide (50%) | Fair | Good | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Sulfuric Acid (10%) | Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Toluene | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Poor | Poor |
| Water (Deionized) | Fair | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Xylene | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Poor | Poor |
Temperature Range Comparison
Operating temperature ranges for container materials. Exceeding these limits may cause material degradation, seal failure, or container damage.
| Material | Minimum Temperature | Maximum Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel | -40°F | 400°F | Lining may limit range |
| Stainless 304/316 | -320°F | 1500°F | Cryogenic to high heat |
| HDPE | -40°F | 140°F | Standard; high-temp grades to 180°F |
| LDPE | -40°F | 120°F | Good cold impact |
| Polypropylene | -20°F | 180°F | Poor cold impact |
| Fiber (unlined) | 32°F | 150°F | Avoid moisture/humidity |
How to Select the Right Material
Identify Chemical Compatibility First
Your product's chemistry is the primary selection criterion. Check compatibility charts for your specific chemical, concentration, and temperature. When in doubt, request a compatibility test or consult our technical team.
Consider Temperature Requirements
Hot-fill, cold storage, or temperature cycling applications require materials rated for the full temperature range. Remember that gaskets and closures may have different limits than the container body.
Factor in Regulatory Requirements
Food contact requires FDA-compliant materials. Hazmat transport requires UN certification. Pharmaceutical may require specific material grades. Identify regulatory requirements early in the selection process.
Balance Performance and Cost
Don't over-specify materials. If HDPE works, you don't need stainless steel. Conversely, don't compromise safety for cost savings. The cheapest container isn't cheap if it fails.
Think About the Full Lifecycle
Consider storage conditions, shipping exposure, and end-user handling. A container that works in your controlled facility may fail during outdoor summer transport or cold winter storage.
Plan for Cleaning and Reuse
If containers will be reconditioned and reused, select materials that can withstand cleaning processes. Stainless steel and HDPE are easily cleaned; fiber is typically single-use.
Need Material Compatibility Guidance?
Our technical team can help you select the optimal container material for your specific product chemistry, temperature requirements, and regulatory needs. Contact us for expert recommendations.
Get Expert Material Advice