Types of Plastic Laboratory Operations Review 29
TYPE CHARACTERISTICS
Polypropylene
Polyethylene
Polycarbonate
Polystyrene
Polyvinyl chloride
Teflon
Relatively inert chemically. Resistant to most acids, alkalis, & salts. Can be autoclaved. Used for pipet tips, test
tubes.Relatively inert chemically. Resistant to most acids (except concentrated H 2 SO 4 ), alkalis, & salts. Used for test
tubes, bottles, disposable transfer pipets, test tube racks. Can’t be autoclaved.Stronger than polypropylene & better temp tolerance, but chemical resistance not as good. Clear. Resistant to
shattering. Used for centrifuge tubes, graduated cylinders.Rigid, clear. Shouldn’t be autoclaved. Will crack & splinter. Used for test tubes, graduated tubes.Soft & flexible but porous. Frequently used as tubing.Extremely inert. Excellent temp tolerance & chemical resistance. Used for stir bars, stopcocks, tubing.