Chemical and thermal resistance of Polypropylene, Polystyrene, LDPE, HDPE, EVA and UV-Star^®

Table of Contents
1. Polypropylene Cryo.s^™ MASTERBLOCK^®
2. Polystyrene FLUOTRAC^™ LUMITRAC^™ MICROLON^® CELLSTAR^®
3. HDPE – Seal Caps
4. LDPE – Caps
5. EVA – CapMats
6. UV-Star^®
7. Thermal Resistance Polypropylene, Polystyrene, HDPE, LDPE, EVA, UV-Star^®
8. Chemical Resistance Polypropylene, Polystyrene, HDPE, LDPE, EVA, UV-Star^®

Disposable plastic lab ware is an essential aspect of modern laboratory life. It is cost-effective, meets the highest hygienic criteria, and offers a broad range of applications without endangering users from breakage. Polystyrene (PS) and polypropylene (PP) are the two most common polymeric materials used for laboratory products, and this brochure is intended to provide an overview of the chemical and thermal properties of these materials as well as other important resins.

Additionally, a resistance list to the most important chemicals used in the lab is also incorporated. A constantly updated version of this list is maintained on our homepage: www.gbo.com/bioscience.

Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene (Figure 1) is a smooth material with its crystalline structure demonstrating why it provides high resistance to breakage and chemical/thermal influences. Typical laboratory products manufactured from polypropylene are Cryo.s^™, MASTERBLOCK^® , pipette tips, test tubes, and reaction vessels. An additional important feature of polypropylene is its low binding capacity to biological molecules such as proteins or DNA (Figure 2).

Therefore, microplates manufactured from polypropylene are ideal for use where low binding capacity is required e.g. Fluorescence Polarisation Assays (FPA). Cryo preservation at -80°C /-20°C, storage of DNA, growth of bacteria or yeast cells can also be performed in polypropylene microplates, tubes or cryo tubes (Cryo.s^™).

Polystyrene (PS)
Polystyrene (Fig. 3) has an amorphous structure, is relatively fragile and has a lower chemical and thermal resistance than polypropylene. The advantages are its clarity and higher protein binding capacity (Fig. 2) which can be enhanced with additional treatments and/or irradiation.

Polystyrene is perfect for optical measurements and immunological assays. CELLSTAR^® products such as tissue culture flasks or MICROLON^® immunoassay products are made from polystyrene.

LDPE & HDPE
Low density polyethylene (LDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) are mostly used for screw closures and plug caps. These two resins show a higher chemical and thermal resistance than polystyrene but do not have its high clarity.

EVA
CapMats are designed for separate well sealing of microplates. They are made of EVA which is a flexible resin compatible with DMSO, alkalis, weak acids, and organic solvents at temperatures below 80°C. CapMats have been tested on their sealing capability down to -40°C and under the effect of dry ice. The recorded heat distortion point of EVA is 64°-80°C.

UV-Star^® Resin
The UV-Star^® resin is a revolutionary material which provides extremely favorable optical properties. UV transparency down to 200 nm (Figure 4) makes it a real alternative to quartz glass microplates with the advantageous features of lower price and higher physical stability.

Chemical and Thermal Resistance List
Please note: The information provided in this list is based upon data believed to be reliable and relates only to the criteria specified. Although such information is, to the best of our know-ledge and belief, accurate and reliable, no representation, warranty or guarantee is made as to the suitability, accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information.

It is the user’s responsibility to check that the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of such information is correct for his or her particular use. There is no warranty against patent infringement and Greiner Bio-One shall not be liable for any loss, damage or injury that may occur from the use of this information. No statement herein shall be construed as an endorsement of any product or process.

In our list the chemical or thermal resistance of a resin is classified on a scale from 1 to 4.

1 = Resistant
The resin can be treated with the substance at room temperature for years without any influence on the physical, optical and chemical properties.

2 = Limited resistance
Resin can be treated with the substance at room temperature over weeks without any influence on the physical, optical and chemical properties.

3 = Moderate resistance
Can be treated with the substance at room temperature in short terms (minutes or 1 hour) without any effect on the physical, optical and chemical properties (mix and measure is possible).

4 = Not resistant
Changes in the physical, optical, and chemical characteristics of the resin may occur within seconds when treated with the substance.

Chemical Resistance of UV-Star^®

Thermal Resistance of UV-Star^®
UV-Star^® microplates should not be subjected to temperatures higher than 40°C. At temperatures higher than 50°C the microplates will shrink and loose their excellent optical properties.

Temperatures down to -80°C have no influence on the quality of the UV-Star^® microplates.

Chemical Resistance of Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), HDPE, LDPE

Chemical Resistance of Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), HDPE, LDPE

* Subject to error and technical modifications.

Thermal Resistance of Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), HDPE, LDPE

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