Plasticware: Choose and Use

PLASTICWARE CHEMICAL RESISTANCE GUIDE:

GOOD:

• PS (Polystyrene)
• good chemical resistance to aqueous solutions, limited resistance to solvents
• brittle at ambient temperatures avoid dropping
• usually disposable labware
• PC (Polycarbonate)
• avoid strong organic solvents & concentrated acids and bases
• has excellent strength and optical clarity
• PP (Polypropylene) - good chemical resistance to solvents
• avoid strong oxidizers and freezing temperatures

BETTER:

• PE (Polyethylene)
• chemically inert, avoid strong oxidizers
• strong solvents can cause softening or swelling with prolonged exposure
• LDPE (Low density polyethylene)
• more branching in polymer chain, less compact
• HDPE (High density polyethylene)
• less branching in polymer chain, more rigid

BEST:

• PMP (Polymethylpentane)
• excellent resistance to chemicals and high temperatures
• avoid strong oxidizers
• may be softened by prolonged exposure to chlorinated solvents
• brittle at ambient temperature avoid dropping