Ozone Resistant Materials
Ozone is a highly reactive oxidizing gas that can rapidly degrade incompatible materials. Selecting ozone resistant materials is essential for ensuring long-term reliability, safety, and performance in ozone treatment systems.
In industrial ozone applications, improper material selection can lead to cracking, brittleness, leaks, corrosion, and premature equipment failure. For this reason, ozone compatibility must always be considered when designing ozone generators, piping systems, injectors, seals, tubing, and contact components.
This guide provides an overview of common ozone resistant materials used in water treatment, oxidation, sanitation, and industrial ozone systems.
Why Material Compatibility Matters
Ozone reacts aggressively with many plastics, rubbers, elastomers, and metals. Over time, exposure to ozone can cause:
- Surface cracking
- Material hardening
- Loss of elasticity
- Corrosion
- Seal failure
- Reduced equipment lifespan
The level of degradation depends on:
- Ozone concentration
- Exposure time
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Pressure
- Gas or water phase application
Using ozone-compatible materials helps improve system durability and operational safety.
Common Ozone Resistant Materials
| Material | Ozone Resistance | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|
| PTFE (Teflon) | Excellent | Tubing, seals, injectors |
| PVDF (Kynar) | Excellent | Piping, fittings |
| Stainless Steel 316L | Excellent | Contact chambers, piping |
| Glass | Excellent | Laboratory applications |
| Ceramic | Excellent | Diffusers |
| Viton® | Good | O-rings, seals |
| EPDM | Good | Gaskets, tubing |
| Silicone | Moderate | Flexible seals |
| CPVC | Good | Low concentration piping |
Materials Not Recommended for Ozone
| Material | Ozone Resistance | Typical Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Rubber | Poor | Cracking and rapid degradation |
| Nitrile (Buna-N) | Poor | Hardening and seal failure |
| PVC | Low | Brittleness over time |
| Polyurethane | Poor | Surface cracking and deterioration |
| Brass | Moderate to Poor | Oxidation and corrosion |
| Mild Steel | Poor | Rapid corrosion |
| Neoprene | Low | Loss of elasticity and cracking |
Ozone Resistant Plastics
Several engineered plastics offer excellent resistance to ozone exposure.
PTFE (Teflon)
PTFE is one of the most ozone resistant materials available. It is commonly used for:
- Ozone tubing
- Injector components
- Gaskets
- Seals
PTFE provides excellent chemical resistance and long operational life.
PVDF (Kynar)
PVDF is widely used in industrial ozone systems due to its strong resistance to oxidation and chemical attack.
Common uses include:
- Ozone piping
- Fittings
- Valves
- Contact systems
Ozone Resistant Metals
Stainless Steel 316L
316L stainless steel is commonly used in ozone systems because of its strong corrosion resistance and durability.
Applications include:
- Ozone contact chambers
- Ozone piping
- Injection assemblies
- Industrial process equipment
Ozone Resistant Elastomers
Elastomer selection is critical in ozone systems because seals and gaskets are often exposed to concentrated ozone gas.
Viton®
Viton is commonly used for:
- O-rings
- Gaskets
- Seals
It provides good resistance in many ozone applications.
EPDM
EPDM is frequently used in ozone water treatment systems due to its good oxidation resistance and flexibility.
Silicone
Silicone may be suitable for some low concentration applications but generally has lower ozone resistance compared to PTFE or Viton.
Ozone Resistant Tubing
Tubing used in gas ozone withstands continuous exposure to ozone without cracking or degrading.
Common ozone-compatible tubing materials include:
- PTFE tubing
- PVDF tubing
- FEP tubing
- Stainless steel tubing
Proper tubing selection helps reduce leaks and extend equipment life.
Choosing Materials for Ozone Systems
Selecting the proper material depends on the specific ozone application and operating environment.
Typical considerations include:
- Water treatment vs gas phase systems
- Ozone concentration levels
- Chemical exposure
- Maintenance requirements
Industrial ozone systems often use combinations of PTFE, PVDF, stainless steel, ceramic, and compatible elastomers to maximize reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials are ozone resistant?
Common ozone resistant materials include PTFE, PVDF, stainless steel 316L, glass, ceramic, EPDM, and Viton.
Does ozone damage rubber?
Yes. Many standard rubbers, including natural rubber and Buna-N, can crack or degrade rapidly when exposed to ozone.
Is stainless steel ozone resistant?
Yes. Stainless steel 316L is widely used in industrial ozone systems due to its strong corrosion resistance.
What tubing is best for ozone?
PTFE and PVDF tubing are among the most commonly used materials for ozone applications because of their excellent chemical resistance.
Is PVC compatible with ozone?
PVC may be used in some low concentration applications, but it is generally not recommended for long-term exposure to high ozone concentrations.
Learn More About Ozone Systems
Additional ozone resources: