Plastics are widely used in laboratory settings due to their versatility, affordability, and wide range of chemical resistances. Here are some different types of plastics commonly used in laboratories:

  1. Polypropylene (PP): Polypropylene is a popular plastic used in various lab consumables due to its excellent chemical resistance and high heat tolerance. It is commonly used for:
  1. Microcentrifuge tubes
  2. Pipette tips
  3. Petri dishes
  4. Cryogenic vials
  5. Reagent bottles
  6. Beakers
  7. Graduated cylinders
  1. Polystyrene (PS): Polystyrene is a transparent plastic commonly used in lab consumables that require optical clarity and good chemical resistance. It is used for:
  1. Petri dishes
  2. Culture plates
  3. Microplates
  4. Disposable cuvettes
  5. Cryogenic storage boxes
  1. Polyethylene (PE): Polyethylene is a flexible plastic that offers good chemical resistance, particularly to acids and bases. It is commonly used for:
  1. Sample containers
  2. Specimen bags
  3. Wash bottles
  4. Plastic dropper bottles
  5. Plastic tubing
  1. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE): PET is a clear and rigid plastic with good chemical resistance. It is commonly used for:
  1. Reagent bottles
  2. Media bottles
  3. Sample collection bottles
  4. Centrifuge tubes
  1. Polycarbonate (PC): Polycarbonate is a durable and transparent plastic known for its high impact resistance and temperature stability. It is commonly used for:
  1. Autoclavable labware
  2. Beakers
  3. Graduated cylinders
  4. Safety goggles and face shields
  1. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): PVC is a versatile plastic used in various lab applications. However, it is not suitable for all chemicals and may release toxic fumes when exposed to high temperatures. It is commonly used for:
  1. Tubing
  2. Connectors
  3. Vacuum filtration systems
  4. Gloves (vinyl gloves are typically made from PVC)

These are just a few examples of the types of plastics used in laboratories. Other plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon), and polyoxymethylene (POM or Acetal) may also be used in specific lab applications. When selecting plastic labware, consider the compatibility of the plastic with the chemicals and conditions it will be exposed to, as well as any specific regulations or guidelines that may apply.