• Translucent
• Autoclavable
• Maximum temperature: 135°C (275°F)
• Brittleness temperature: 0°C (32°F)

Polypropylene has relatively poor impact strength, but excellent compatibility with weak and concentrated acids, bases and alcohol.* Polypropylene is commonly used to make bottles, vials, pumps, funnels and clothing.

 

• Translucent
• Not autoclavable
• Maximum temperature for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is 110°C (248°F)
• Maximum temperature for low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is 80°C (176°F)
• Brittleness temperature for both HDPE and LDPE is -50°C (-50°F)

Polyethylene has high impact strength and excellent compatibility with weak and concentrated acids, bases and alcohol.* Polyethylene is used to manufacture waste bags, bottles, refuse containers, pumps and secondary containment platforms.

 

 

• Transparent
• Autoclavable
• Maximum temperature: 135°C (275°F)
• Brittleness temperature: -135°C (-135°F)

Polycarbonate has high impact strength and excellent compatibility with weak acids.* Polycarbonate is commonly used to make non-breakable windows, safety eyewear and face shields.

 

 

• Transparent
• Autoclavable
• Maximum temperature: 175°C (347°F)
• Brittleness temperature: 20°C (68°F)

Polymethylpentene has excellent compatibility with weak and concentrated acids, bases and alcohol.* Polymethylpentene is commonly used to make beakers and graduated cylinders.

 

 

• Opaque
• Autoclavable
• Maximum temperature: 270°C (50°F)
• Brittleness temperature: -100°C (-100°F)

PTFE resin has excellent compatibility with almost all chemicals.* PTFE resin is used to produce pumps, stoppers, tubing, containers, non-stick pans and samplers.

 

• Clear
• Not autoclavable
• Maximum temperature: 70°C (158°F)
• Brittleness temperature: -30°C (-22°F)

Polyvinyl chloride has excellent compatibility with almost all chemicals.* Polyvinyl chloride is used to manufacture plumbing pipes, raincoats, footwear, earplugs, pumps and tubing.

 

 

 

Clear

Not autoclavable

Maximum temperature: 70°C (158°F)

Brittleness temperature: -40°C (-40°F)

Polyethylene terephthalate copolymer has excellent compatibility with weak acids, alcohol and aliphatic hydrocarbons.* It is used to make face shields and bottles.

 

 

• Clear
• Not autoclavable
• Maximum temperature: 90°C (194°F)
• Brittleness temperature: -20°C (-4°F)

Polystyrene has high strength and impact resistance and excellent compatibility with weak acids, alcohol and bases.* Ice buckets and scoops are commonly made with polystyrene.

 

 

• Clear
• Autoclavable
• Maximum temperature: 50°C (122°F)
• Brittleness temperature: 20°C (68°F)

Polymethyl methacrylate does not have excellent compatibility with any group of chemicals.