If you are finding that a lot of your glassware gets broken far too easily it might be worth considering swapping to plastic for some classes or practicals. While we all want to be more sustainable and one of the main benefits of glass is that it is so easily recycled – there are times when a plastic is the better option.
Here are some of our best examples of where you could switch to plastic – and many will save money too!
Acrylic Burettes – POLYMETHYLMETHACRYLATE (PMMA)
PMMA is a rigid, transparent polymer which is an excellent alternative to plastic burettes, to minimise the safety risk associated with glass. PMMA has a narrow temperature range of -60 to +50oC, so it’s not suitable for autoclaving but it has a good chemical resistance, making it suitable for most experiments except for those requiring the use of butyl acetate or acetone. Find out more.
Measuring Cylinders – POLYPROPYLENE (PP)
These PP measuring cylinders have a large pouring spout which allow for easy dispensing – and if you go for the ‘squat’ design, they’re less likely to tip over. These cylinders have an added draining hole in the base which aids draining in the dishwasher, preventing accidental spill is the prep room. The coloured printed markings make the graduation extremely easy to read.
Polypropylene has a wide temperature range, which means it can be autoclaved as its range is -20 to +135o C. It has a good chemical resistance, including sulphuric acid – but it cannot be used with toluene, acetone or benzene. Find out more.
Low Form Beakers - POLYMETHYLPENTENE (PMP)
PMP is a transparent rigid polymer, which has good chemical resistance and can be autoclaved with a temperature range of 20 to 145o – also complying with ISO 7056 standards. Graduations are easily visible as PMP has high clarity, with solvent resistant ink. Care should be taken using benzene. Find out more.