Re: peroxide compatibility question

Alexander Mikhailov wrote:
> 
> Hi,
> 
> I'm looking for peroxide compatibility information.
> I'd like to have as much of it as possible, but I also
> have some specific questions. How compatible is the
> copper with the peroxide? What difference for
> compatibility the stabilized peroxide makes versus
> unstabilized? Is the tin compatible with peroxide?
> I've heard that stannates are used to stabilize the
> peroxide...

General summary of the situation as I understand it:

Copper is considered incompatible, although it doesn't 
seem to be extremely catalytic at ambient temperatures 
and lower. Pure aluminum is considered the best; 6061 
aluminum alloy isn't bad; stainless is OK; ordinary steel 
tends to catalyze it easily (especially if rusty). 

With nonmetals, polyethylene tubing and containers should 
be OK (especially at ambient temp. and colder): Viton (and 
probably also EPDM) O-rings should be good. Nylon deteriorates 
rather rapidly; vinyl and urethane may have problems; 
fluoroplastics (PTFE, FEP, PFA, etc.) should be good.

-dave w