Plastic Properties and Chemical Resistance
Plastic properties and chemical resistance can have a great impact on safety in the laboratory. When appropriate, using plastic containers to mix, store, or transport samples and testing materials, including chemicals, offers an economical advantage over sometimes costly glass containers.
However, understanding cold/heat tolerance and potential reactions between the types of plastics used in your containers with the chemicals you are using is imperative to having plastics in the lab. Use the following charts organized by plastic type and grade to guide you in making your plastic container selections to avoid chemical resistance and achieve the best outcomes in your lab.
Low Density Polyethylene:
- Maximum Temperature: 176°F (80°C)
- Minimum Temperature: -58°F (-50°C)
- Autoclavable: No
- UV Resistance: Poor
- Characteristics: Translucent with excellent flexibility
EXCELLENT RESISTANCE (NO ATTACK):
GOOD RESISTANCE (MINOR ATTACK):
LIMITED RESISTANCE (MODERATE ATTACK):
POOR RESISTANCE & NOT RECOMMENDED:
To dilute and concentrated Acids, Alcohols, Bases, and Esters
To Aldehydes, Ketones, and Vegetable Oils
Suitable for short term use only to Aliphatic & Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Mineral Oils, and Oxidizing Agents
For use with Halogenated Hydrocarbons
High Density Polyethylene:
- Maximum Temperature: 248°F (120°C)
- Minimum Temperature: -148°F (-100°C)
- Autoclavable: No
- UV Resistance: Poor
- Characteristics: Translucent and rigid
EXCELLENT RESISTANCE (NO ATTACK):
GOOD RESISTANCE (MINOR ATTACK):
LIMITED RESISTANCE (MODERATE ATTACK):
To dilute and concentrated Acids, Alcohols, and Bases
To Aldehydes, Esters, Aliphatic and Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Ketones, and Mineral and Vegetable Oils
Suitable for short term use only to Halogenated Hydrocarbons and Oxidizing Agents
Polypropylene:
- Maximum Temperature: 275°F (135°C)
- Minimum Temperature: 32°F (0°C)
- Autoclavable: Yes
- UV Resistance: Poor
- Characteristics: Translucent and rigid
EXCELLENT RESISTANCE (NO ATTACK):
GOOD RESISTANCE (MINOR ATTACK):
LIMITED RESISTANCE (MODERATE ATTACK):
To dilute and concentrated Acids, Alcohols, Bases, and Mineral Oils
To Aldehydes, Esters, Aliphatic Hydrocarbons, Ketones, & Vegetable Oils
And suitable for short term use only to Aromatic and Halogenated Hydrocarbons and Oxidizing Agents
Polystyrene:
- Maximum Temperature: 158°F (70°C)
- Minimum Temperature: 32°F (0°C)
- Autoclavable: No
- UV Resistance: Good
- Characteristics: Clear and rigid
EXCELLENT RESISTANCE (NO ATTACK):
GOOD RESISTANCE (MINOR ATTACK):
LIMITED RESISTANCE (MODERATE ATTACK):
POOR RESISTANCE & NOT RECOMMENDED:
To dilute and concentrated Acids, Alcohols, and Mineral Oils
To Vegetable Oils
Suitable for short term use only to concentrated Acids
For use with Aldehydes, Esters, Aliphatic, Aromatic and Halogenated Hydrocarbons, Ketones, and Oxidizing Agents
Polymethyl-pentene:
- Maximum Temperature: 293°F (145°C)
- Minimum Temperature: 32°F (0°C)
- Autoclavable: Yes
- UV Resistance: Poor
- Characteristics: Clear and rigid
EXCELLENT RESISTANCE (NO ATTACK):
GOOD RESISTANCE (MINOR ATTACK):
LIMITED RESISTANCE (MODERATE ATTACK):
POOR RESISTANCE & NOT RECOMMENDED:
To dilute and and concentrated Acids, Alcohols, Bases, and Mineral Oils
To Aldehydes, Esters, and Vegetable Oils
Suitable for short term use only to Aliphatic and Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Ketones, and Oxidizing Agents
For use with Halogenated Hydrocarbons
Plastic properties and chemical resistance impact your mixing, storage, and transportation choices for your lab’s samples and testing materials. Ensure you are making informed choices when purchasing these items. If you have any questions, contact The Lab Depot directly by phone at 1-800-733-2522, email [email protected], or via Live Chat on our website.
Information courtesy of Dynalon Labware.
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