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Plastics in the laboratory 

Contact a technical advisor!   See all plasticware

 

The different types of plastic resins

 

Polyolefins

They are non-toxic, non-contaminating materials with varying degrees of breakage resistance.  
They are resistant to almost any chemical at room temperature for up to 24 hours (refer to the chemical resistance guides: tab DOCS > GUIDES).   
They can be damaged by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light.

 

High-density polyethylene (HDPE)

This plastic is rigid and translucent, and also robust. 

  • Chemical resistance: good to excellent
  • Use: bottles and flasks
  • Temperature range: from -100 °C to +120 °C
  • Autoclavable: no

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)

Flexible and translucent, this polymer is robust and virtually unbreakable.

  • Chemical resistance: good to excellent
  • Use: washing bottles
  • Temperature range: from -50 °C to +80 °C
  • Autoclavable: no

Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene is translucent and has good resistance. It is stable over time, but is breakable at 0°C and can therefore break if dropped.

  • Chemical resistance: good to excellent
  • Use: beakers, flasks, and test tubes
  • Temperature range: from 0 °C to +135 °C
  • Autoclavable: yes, at 121 °C

Polymethylpentene (PMP, TPX)

Rigid and of low density, this polymer has high transparency. It is breakable at room temperature, so it can break if dropped.

  • Résistance chimique : bonne à excellente
  • Utilisation : béchers et éprouvettes
  • Plage de températures : de -180 °C à +145 °C
  • Autoclavable : oui, à 121 °C

 

 

 

Styrenic polymers

Amorphous materials that are hard, brittle, fragile, and rigid.

Polystyrene (PS)

As transparent as glass, this polymer is rigid and non-toxic.  
It breaks at room temperature, so it can shatter if dropped.

  • Chemical resistance: moderate
  • Use: single-use laboratory containers
  • Temperature range: from -40 °C to +90 °C
  • Autoclavable: no

Styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN)

This technical plastic is rigid and transparent.

  • Chemical resistance: improved compared to polystyrene
  • Use: beakers, volumetric flasks
  • Temperature range: from +20 °C to +85 °C
  • Autoclavable: no

 

 

 

PMMA

Rigid and transparent, polymethyl methacrylate is also resistant to ultraviolet rays.

Polymethyl methacrylate acrylic (PMMA) 
 

  • Chemical resistance: good
  • Use: boxes
  • Temperature range: from +20 °C to +145 °C
  • Autoclavable: no

 

 

 

PVC

PVC can be rigid or flexible, colored or not. It has excellent resistance to oils (but not to essential oils) and very low permeability to most gases.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) 
 

  • Chemical resistance: moderate
  • Use: trays and tanks
  • Temperature range: from -25 °C to +70 °C
  • Autoclavable: no



Technical resins

They have exceptional strength and durability, suitable for demanding laboratory applications.

Polycarbonate (PC)

Transparent, strong, and rigid, polycarbonate has high impact resistance. It is an ideal material for high-speed centrifugation.

  • Chemical resistance: moderate
  • Use: beakers and test tubes
  • Temperature range: from -135 °C to +135 °C
  • Autoclavable: yes, at 121 °C

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

As transparent as glass, PET can be slightly flexible depending on the thickness of the walls.

  • Chemical resistance: moderate
  • Use: bottles
  • Temperature range: from -10 °C to +60 °C
  • Autoclavable: no, can be sterilized by radiation or with compatible chemicals

 

Glycosylated Polyethylene terephthalate (PETG)

Like PET, glycosylated polyethylene terephthalate is as transparent as glass and slightly flexible depending on the thickness of the walls.

  • Chemical resistance: moderate
  • Use: cell culture, biological sample storage; bottles, carboys, Erlenmeyer
  • Temperature range: from -40 °C to +70 °C
  • Autoclavable: no, can be sterilized by radiation or with compatible chemicals



Fluoropolymers

Fluoropolymers, offer very high chemical resistance.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

PTFE is opaque and rigid.

  • Chemical resistance: excellent
  • Use: bottles, beakers, and wash bottles
  • Temperature range: from -200 °C to +260 °C
  • Autoclavable : yes, at 121 °C

Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA)

Teflon-PFA is translucent and slightly flexible.

  • Chemical resistance: excellent
  • Use: bottles and beakers
  • Temperature range: from -200 °C to +260 °C
  • Autoclavable: yes, at 121 °C

Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP)

This copolymer is translucent and flexible.

  • Chemical resistance: excellent
  • Use: bottles and washing bottles
  • Temperature range: from -100 °C to +205 °C
  • Autoclavable : yes, at 121 °C

 

 

 

 

Care and use

 

The following are general recommendations for the care and use of plastics in the laboratory. This information is purely indicative, as each plastic resin has its own properties, do not hesitate to contact us for more information.  

 

General information

Chemicals can change the characteristics of plastics such as strength, surface, color, or dimensions. It is necessary to verify the chemical compatibility with the polymer used before handling.  

 

Cleaning

The plastic labware can be cleaned with a non-alkaline detergent and a soft cloth or sponge.  
Polystyrene and polycarbonate are particularly sensitive and more likely to be attacked by alkalis.  

If you use a dishwasher, always program short cycles and a maximum temperature of 60°C. Beyond that, the plastic and volumetric accuracy of the graduated consumables could be affected.  

Due to temperature limitations, polystyrene, acrylic, and polycarbonate should not be placed in the dishwasher. This may cause deterioration of their resistance. If you use an ultrasonic bath, make sure that the products are not in direct contact with the membrane.  

 

Sterilization

Verify that the plastic is autoclavable and can withstand repeated exposure to 121°C.  
It is recommended to use a 20-minute cycle at 121°C and 1 bar.  
Always unscrew the caps of bottles or tubes before autoclaving. Any material obstructing the opening may cause deformation or destruction of the plastic.  

 

Heating

Never place plastic directly in contact with a flame or hot plate. 

 

Recycling and disposal

The recycling process requires plastic products to be sorted according to their resin type, before being recovered for recycling into resins that can be used as raw material for new products. 

 

Comment bien trier le plastique ? Le logo de recyclage est là pour vous aider à faire le tri !

If the product cannot be recycled, always follow the applicable regulations and laws for disposal. 

 

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