Plastics
Plastics are often cheaper and easier to use in the laboratory, in place of glassware – it is also easier to transport and store with less chance of breakage.
However plastics are often subject to corrosion by chemicals used in a laboratory and so it is important to make sure you select the right kind of plastic for your specific requirements to avoid contamination.
We supply the full range of plastic bottles, cylinders, beakers and flasks from SciLabware, Kartell and Nalgene.
All our products are made from high quality plastic designed to be resistant to chemicals and remain stable at high temperatures. Different chemicals require plastics with different physical properties and chemical resistance.
We also stock the new line of of Sigma® Cultureware. This range meets the superior quality standards of premium, tissue-culture treated plasticware.
Polymethylpentene, PMP (TPX)
A transparent rigid polymer typically used for beakers and cylinders. It has excellent chemical resistance and can withstand temperatures up to 145 degrees centigrade, and so is therefore autoclavable.
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
A hardwearing translucent rigid polymer typically used for bottles as it has an excellent chemical resistance. It is stable in temperatures ranging from -100 to +120 degrees centigrade and so is not autoclavable.
Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
A translucent flexible polymer, which is robust and virtually unbreakable, typically used for wash bottles. Excellent chemical resistance and stable in temperatures ranging from -50 to +80 degrees centigrade. This polymer is not autoclavable.
Polypropylene (PP)
A translucent rigid polymer, typically used for beakers, bottles and cylinders, which is tough and resistant to fatigue. Excellent chemical resistance and stable in temperatures ranging from -20 to +135 degrees centigrade.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
An opaque and rigid polymer typically used for bottles, beakers and stirrers. Can withstand a temperature range from -200 to + 260 degrees centigrade and so ideal for autoclaving. Also it has unrivalled resistance to all chemicals.
Polystyrene (PS)
A transparent rigid polymer typically used for container ware due to its clarity. Temperature range is narrow – up to 90 degrees centigrade, it has moderate chemical resistance and is not autoclavable.
Further information on physical properties and chemical resistance:
Care and Maintenance of Laboratory Plasticware
Most laboratory plasticware is readily cleaned with warm water, a detergent and soft sponge or cloth. Chemicals can adversely affect the performance of the plasticware and so it is worth checking for chemical compatibility and physical properties.
