Common plastic consumable materials in the laboratory

We usually come into contact with various types of consumables in the laboratory. In addition to glass consumable products, many people are now using plastic products. Faced with a wide range of plastic materials, many people do not know how to choose, so what is the difference between these materials? Here are some common plastic materials for you to introduce.



1、HDPE - high-density polyethylene

Non-toxic, tasteless, translucent, durable, relatively brittle material

The highest use temperature of 120 ℃, so can not use autoclave

Embrittlement temperature -100 ℃, low temperature can still maintain a certain degree of toughness

Resistant to acids and alkalis and various salts, resistant to organic solvents

Applications: intermediate product storage and end-product storage and transportation containers, most of them are for one-time use



2、LDPE-Low density polyethylene

Non-toxic, tasteless, translucent, poor mechanical strength compared to HDPE, stronger toughness

Maximum use temperature 80℃, not autoclavable

Embrittlement temperature -100 ℃, good cold resistance

Acid and alkali resistance, resistance to organic solvents is relatively poor HDPE performance

Application: same as HDPE, generally used for storage and transportation of various intermediate and final products, mostly for one-time use



3、PP - polypropylene

Colorless semi-transparent material with chemical resistance, heat resistance, high strength mechanical properties and high wear resistance processing properties, etc.

Maximum use temperature 135℃, autoclavable

Embrittlement temperature 0℃, low temperature resistance is poor

Resistant to acid and alkali, salt solution and many organic solvents at 80℃

Application: Because it can resist autoclaving, it is mostly used as reusable container material.



4、PC-Polycarbonate

With high transparency, usually used to replace glass

The highest use temperature 135 ℃, embrittlement temperature -135 ℃

Resistant to weak acids and bases, but poor resistance to strong acids and bases and various organic solvents

Applications: reusable advanced solution display and transportation, cell culture and intermediate storage



5、PETG/PET-Polyethylene terephthalate copolymer

High transparency, non-toxic and tasteless, with good mechanical properties

Maximum use temperature 70℃, embrittlement temperature -40℃

Cannot resist acid and alkali

Specially used for preserving cell culture medium, serum and other precious samples and materials