Chemistry infolab reagents and resources
Plastics and resins used in making labware.

Laboratory plasticware.

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Labware Plastics and Resins


This page give info on the properties and characteristics of resins
used in making laboratory plasticware
See also: Plastic tubing

PolyolefinsPolyethylene, Low-density polyethylene, High-density polyethylene, Linear low-density polyethylene, Cross-linked high-density polyethylene (XLPE), Polypropylene, Polypropylene copolymer (PPCO)
FluorocarbonsTeflon TFE, Teflon FEP, Tefzel ETFE, Halar ECTFE, Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) Kynar*, Teflon PFA,
Engineering resinsAcetal, Nylon, Polymethylpentene, Polystyrene, Polyvinyl Chloride, Thermoplastic elastomer, Polycarbonate, Polysulfone, Polyethylene Terephthalate G. Copolymer (PETG), Polyphenylene Oxides
Labware plasticsAcrilonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Corian, Epoxy Resins, Kel-F, Methyl Methacrylate, Phenolic Resins, Polyetherimide (PEI)

Plastics / Resins

ACL Acetal (polyoxymethylene)
Tough, strong, retains it’s dimensions at elevated temperatures, excellent resistance to most organic solvents and good resistance to strong acids and bases, naturally opaque.
PFA Teflon PFA (perfluoroalkoxy)Translucent, flexible. Cryogenic to 260oC, autoclavable, chemically inert, non-contaminating, very easy to clean as almost nothing adheres.
ECTFE Halar ECTFE (ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene) withstands extreme temperatures, cryogenic to 180oC , non-burning and radiation resistant. PMMA Polymethyl methaacrylate (acrylic) Transparent (very clear) –60 to 70oC, resistant to inorganic acids and alkalis but not to organic solvents
ETFE Tefzel ETFE (ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene)
white, translucent, slightly flexible, greater chemical and temperature resistance than TFE and FEP
PMP Polymethylpentene (TPX)Transparent, fairly rigid. 180 to 180oC autoclavable, attacked by strong oxidizers, softened by some hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents.
NYL Nylon (polyamide)
strong, tough, resists abrasion, fatigue and impact. Excellent resistance with organic solvents but not with mineral acids, oxidizing agents and certain salts.
PVC Polyvinyl chloride Translucent form very flexible, opaque is rigid.. –25 to 80°C, poor resistance to most solvents, very good resistance to oils (except essential oils), low gas permeability.
FEP Teflon FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene) Translucent.flexible,resists all known chemicals except molten alkali metals and elemental fluorine.Can even be boiled with nitric acid. PP Polypropylene Translucent to transparent, fairly rigid. –10 to 130°C resistant to most chemicals except strong oxida
FLPE Fluorinated high-density polyethylene
PS Polystyrene Transparent (toughening agent makes opaque) –30 to 60oC, resistant to most aqueous solutions and organic solvents.
HDPE High-density polyethylene
Transparent to opaque, fairly rigid. –50 to 110oC, autoclavable, chemical resistant.
PSF Polysulfone Clear, strong , extremely tough.resistant to acids, bases, aqueous solutions,aliphatic hydrocarbons and alcohols.
LPDE Low-density polyethylene
Translucent, flexible.-50 to 80oC, resistant to most chemicals except strong oxidants.
PUR Polyurethane +
non toxic,crack and stress resistant, robust,high purity apps.
PPCO Polypropylene copolymer
Autoclavable Combines some of the advantages of ethylene and ropylene.High temperature performance and low temperature strenght and flexibility.
PVDF Polyvinilidene fluoride Opaque white, extremely pure, superior for non-contaminating applications.good mechanical strength and abrasion resisance up to 100°oC Similar to ECTFE
PC Polycarbonate
Transparent, strong, rigid. –190 to 130°C, autoclavable but mechanical properties impaired, attacked by some concentrated acids, alkalis, and organic solvents.
TFE

PTFE
Teflon TFE (tetrafluoroethylene Opaque, semi- rigid, low coefficient of friction,-200 to 260°C, autoclavable, excellent chemical resistance to all reagents.
PCTG Poly (1,4 cyclohexane dimethylene terephthalate) glycol
TPE Thermoplastic elastomer can be moulded into autoclavable parts and rubber-like small caps and plugs
PETG Polyethylene terephthalate copolyester
Glass-like clarity, tough. Excellent gas-barrier, choice for storing biologicals.can be sterilised but cannot be autoclaved.
XLPE Cross-linked high-density polyethylene Three dimensional polymer of extremely high molecular weight, superior stress-crack resistance, used for moulding very large storage tanks.


Signature: Dhanlal De Lloyd, Chem. Dept, The University of The West Indies, St. Augustine campus
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Copyright: delloyd2000© All rights reserved.