Physical and chemical properties of plastics vary greatly according to their composition. |
The kind of application determines which plastic to select. Many factors have to be taken into consideration: exposure time and concentration of chemicals, thermal stress (e.g., autoclaving), exertion of force, exposure to UV radiation, and aging, which may be caused by the action of detergents, or other environmental factors. |
A careful evaluation of the necessary properties by the user is of prime importance. The recommendations listed here are based on technical literature and information provided by the manufacturers of raw materials. They were prepared carefully and are intended as general guidance. However, they cannot replace suitability testing performed by the user under actual working conditions. |
Physical properties
|
Max. operating temperature (°C) |
Brittle temperature (°C) |
Micro wave suitability* |
Density (g/cm3) |
Elasticity | Transparency | |
| PS | 70 | -20 | no | 1.05 | rigid | transparent |
| SAN | 70 | -40 | no | 1.03 | rigid | transparent |
| PMMA | 65 to 95 | -50 | no | 1.18 | rigid | transparent |
| PC | 125 | -130 | yes | 1.20 | rigid | transparent |
| PVC | 80 | -20 | no | 1.35 | rigid | transparent |
| POM | 130 | -40 | no | 1.42 | good | opaque |
| PE-LD | 80 | -50 | yes | 0.92 | very good | translucent |
| PE-HD | 105 | -50 | yes | 0.95 | good | translucent |
| PP | 125 | 0 | yes | 0.90 | moderate | translucent |
| PMP | 150 | 0 | yes | 0.83 | moderate | transparent |
| ETFE | 150 | -100 | yes | 1.70 | moderate | translucent |
| PTFE | 260 | -200 | yes | 2.17 | very good | opaque |
| FEP | 205 | -100 | yes | 2.15 | moderate | translucent |
| PFA | 260 | -200 | yes | 2.17 | moderate | translucent |
| PUR | 80 | -30 | yes | 1.20 | very good | transparent |
| FKM | 220 | -30 | - | - | very good | - |
| EPDM | 130 | -40 | - | - | very good | - |
| NR | 80 | -40 | no | 1.20 | very good | opaque |
| SI | 180 | -60 | no | 1.10 | very good | translucent |
|
*Observe chemical and temperature resistance |
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Sterilization*
|
Autoclaving*
at 121 °C, (2 bar), acc. to DIN EN 285 |
β/γ-radiation 25 kGy |
Gas (ethylene oxide) |
Chemical (formalin, ethanol) | |
| PS | no | yes | no | yes |
| SAN | no | no | yes | yes |
| PMMA | no | yes | no | yes |
| PC | yes1) | yes | yes | yes |
| PVC | no2) | no | yes | yes |
| POM | yes1) | yes (restricted) | yes | yes |
| PE-LD | no | yes | yes | yes |
| PE-HD | no | yes | yes | yes |
| PP | yes | yes (restricted) | yes | yes |
| PMP | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| ETFE | yes | no | yes | yes |
| PTFE | yes | no | yes | yes |
| FEP/PFA | yes | no | yes | yes |
| PUR | yes3) | - | yes | yes |
| FKM | yes | - | yes | yes |
| EPDM | yes | - | yes | yes |
| NR | no | no | yes | yes |
| SI | yes | no | yes | yes |
|
* Before autoclaving,
labware must be carefully cleaned and rinsed with destilled water. |
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