When it comes to lab plasticware, we get a lot of questions about which material is best for any given use. There are a lot of options out there and I decided it is time to put together a little guide. In this blog, I’ll break down the properties and uses of each common lab plastic.

FULL DISCLOSURE: You should keep in mind that the details of each plastic material are based on common standards and testing measures. Results may vary when subjecting plasticware to accelerated temperature change or unique chemical substances. Using plastic as a packaging or storage material for food products should be carefully considered. It is a good idea, and highly advisable, to contact your local health department regarding use guidelines. This guide should only be used as a resource for general reference. I always advise contacting the plastic manufacturer for exact specifications.

PETE (PET) Plastic

Polyethylene terephthalate copolymer, also known as PET or PETE, is a clear plastic ideal for use with alcohol, aliphatic hydropcarbons and weak acids. It is commonly used to make bottles and other items like face shields. 2-liter soda bottles, cooking oil bottles, essential oils and single-use water bottles are just some of the everyday items made from PETE. As you can see, it is commonly used as a disposable food and water packaging material. It is highly resistant to impact but does not do well with high temperatures (max 160°F).

One of the most common scientific supplies made from PETE are laboratory bottles.

HDPE Plastic

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a FDA compliant food grade quality plastic. It is widely used for food storage products and packaging. Cleaning fluids, medicinal supplements, body products and beverage packaging are typically made from HDPE. It is translucent, non-glossy and has exceptional resistance to UV which can discolor packaging. Maximum temperature for use is approximately 248°F (120°C) but this can vary slightly with conditions. It can be used in cold temperatures down to -100°C. High-density polyethylene is a rigid plastic with good impact resistance. Chemical resistance to acids and caustics is good.

Common lab plastics made from HDPE are storage and media bottles as well as other storage containers.

LDPE Plastic

Low-density polyethylene is another food grade quality plastic used for many of the same purposes as HDPE. Manufacturers use LDPE for food packaging products, squeeze bottles, trash liners, plastic storage bags and other similar products. It is much more flexible than it’s counterpart which is why it is the most common material for plastic bags. Low-density polyethylene does not have the same level of tolerance to heat on the other hand. The maximum temperature for use is around 80°C, or 176°F. Chemical resistance is good and it can tolerate sub-zero temperatures approaching -148°F.

Common laboratory supplies made from LDPE are dispensing bottles, wash bottles, general containers and other storage products. Other items like tube caps are also made from this plastic.

PC Plastic

Polycarbonate is a harder plastic typically found in small fixtures and protective barriers. A version of PC is also used for safety glasses and prescription eyeglasses. Splash shields, face masks and other safety products are commonly produced from Polycarbonate as well. It is a high-impact plastic allowing strong structural integrity across the temperature spectrum. Resistance to diluted acids, limited aldehydes and oils is evident. It is transparent allowing for exceptional light transfer. Heat resistance is good with a maximum operating temperature approaching 135°C, or 275°F. Polycarbonate becomes brittle at cold temperatures approaching -100°C. Unlike the fore-mentioned plastic materials, PC is autoclavable making it a great choice for reusable plastic products.

PMMA Plastic 

PMMA plastic, also known as Acrylic, is commonly used for structural products and safety guards. In some instances, hard surfaces like counter and table tops are made from Acrylic. PMMA plastics are often colorized for various uses. It has minimal to no resistance to most chemicals. Exceptional clarity makes Acrylic a popular plastic for safety barriers where transparency is necessary. Resistance to heat is lower than most with a maximum operating temperature of 85°C. It becomes brittle at only -20°C so it is not suggested for use in continuously cold environments. Like Polycarbonate, Acrylic is also autoclavable.

PMP Plastic

PMP plastic, or Polymethylpentene, is very rigid and exceptionally clear. Typical uses for PMP, also widely known as TPX, are plastic beakers, flasks, graduated cylinders and other glassware substitutes. It is a common material used in optical components due to it’s clarity and strength. PMP is autoclavable which is another trait that qualifies it as a reusable fluid vessel material. Polymethylpentene is highly resistant to many chemicals and acids. It offers above-average resistance to heat at 120°C (248°F) but offers little protection against consistent cold. Brittleness begins to occur at just 0°C. TPX is FDA compliant for use in food processing machinery.

PS Plastic

Polystyrene (PS) plastic is one of the most common plastics on the market today. It is popular choice for a wide range of products because of it’s strength and rigitity. Like PETE, Polystyrene is often recycled for reuse. Low-cost makes it even more attractive to manufacturers. CD cases, smoke detector housings, license plate frames, cutlery handles and dinnerware items are just a small sampling of what is made from PS. In many cases, Polystyrene is manufactured in a clear form that offers exceptional light transparency. For further information about Polystyrene, read the blog I wrote previously comparing PS and PP. The temperature range of use is limited. Increased brittleness starts to occur at an operating temperature of only 20°C (68°F). It also has limited resistance to heat with a maximum temperature of 90°C, or 194°F. PS has excellent compatibility with weak acids, alcohol and bases and some resistance to common chemicals. Some lab products made from Polystyrene are tube racks, plastic test tubes, serological pipettes, tip racks and much more.

PP Plastic

Polypropylene (PP) is another extremely popular plastic. Much like Polystyrene, it is one of the most common used by manufacturers due to it’s versatility. It is translucent, allowing less light transparency than PS. Strength and rigidity make it a good candidate for products requiring structural integrity. It is also flexible which allows production of squeeze bottles and other containers. Polypropylene is chemically resistant to organic solvents as well as acids and alkalis. Generally speaking, it should not be used in contact with strong oxidizing acids, chlorinated hydrocarbons and aromatics. It is autoclavable making it a prime candidate for reusable containers. To learn more about common uses for PP and how it compares to PS, read this blog. Common lab products made from Polypropylene are test tubes, transfer pipettes, bottles and plenty more.

Updated January 8th, 2020