How are laboratory plastic different from each other? What are their characteristics and how does these material react to various chemicals and solvents? Read on to know, an article articulated from the internet.
Many people don’t exactly know what kind of laboratory plastics can be used for what all needs. Emphor DLAS, one of the largest distributors of laboratory wares in UAE explains various plastics and their usability.
Low-Density Polyethylene
LDPE is a famous laboratory plastic. The plastic is quite flexible and unbreakable. They vary from translucent to solid material which can be slowly attacked over time by concentrated oxidizing agents. Organic solvents can harm LPDE whereas they contain dilute and concentrated acids, alcohols, bases and esters with much resistance. They are more susceptible to hydrocarbons- both aliphatic and aromatics, as well as to mineral oils. Temperatures up to 90° C may be used for short time periods and 80° C may be maintained continuously without damage to this material; -50° C is the minimum temperature recommended. Autoclaving is not recommended.
High-Density Polythethylene
HDPE showcases better resistance to chemicals than LDPE. Equipment made with HDPE is opaque and withstands higher temperatures, 120° C for short experiments and 110°C for continuous experiments. Autoclaving needs to avoided for HDPE type of equipment. It is used in many blow moulding laboratory items such as bottles and large containers. HDPE has good resistance to acids, bases, alcohols, aldehydes, esters, hydrocarbons, ketones, and oils – both minerals and vegetables.
Polymethylpentene (PMP/ TPX)
TPX or PMP is a transparent, resistant and extremely grid. It can hold up to 200° C for short periods and 180° C for longer periods. TPX is used for manufacturing flasks, beakers and measuring cylinders. Strong oxidizing agents can be handled for longer periods and some solvents can soften TPX equipment. The excellent resistance to acids, bases, alcohols, minerals oils, and good resistance to aldehydes and esters. Only limited resistance is evident with hydrocarbons, ketones, and oxidizing agents.
Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene shows great mechanical properties and can sustain higher temperature up to 135° C.
It is autoclavable. The presence of the methyl group makes it susceptible to the attack of strong oxidizing agents. PP has excellent chemical resistance to acids, bases, alcohols, minerals oils, and minor attack from aldehydes, esters, ketones and aliphatic hydrocarbons. PP is very suitable for manufacturing trays and jars that need sterilization.
Polyvinylchloride (PVC)
PVC in a lab is the most component of tubes. They are flexible, soft and often transparent. It is attacked by many organic solvents but has very good resistance to oils and it has a low permeability to gases. PVC is not recommended for use above 70° C.
Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate laboratory equipment has a higher temperature temperament and rigidity. It is commonly used for making laboratory safety shields, vacuum desiccators, and centrifuge tubes. PC may be autoclaved with a maximum continuous working temperature of 140°C and 130°C for a shorter period of time. The material has poor resistance to acids and other chemicals with just oils as an exception.
Polystyrene (PS)
Polystyrene materials have high dimensional stability. The maximum temperature allowed stays around 70°C. Many disposable laboratory plastics products such as Petri dishes and pipets are manufactured from PS due to their exceptional chemical resistance to aqueous solutions. It serves no good for aromatic and halogenated solvents.
Contact Emphor DLAS, laboratory equipment suppliers in UAE to order your plastic flasks and beakers for your laboratory. You may contact them at +971 4 3392601 for assistance and purchase.
