FAQ - Reusable Plastic Lab Supplies

Q. Can I use a plastic beaker on an electric hotplate?

A. In general, the answer is no. However, PTFE beakers can be used on temperature controlled hotplates at temperatures up to 260°C. The beakers are resistant to virtually all chemicals except molten alkalis and fluorine.

Q. Can I use Azlon beakers in the micorwave?

A. Azlon polypropylene beakers can be used to microwave aqueous solutions e.g. for the preparation of culture media.

Q. How accurate is plastic volumetric laboratory ware?

A. Azlon plastic laboratory ware is manufactured to perform with the same level of accuracy as traditional glassware products. The Azlon range of volumetric lab ware includes class B pipettes (+/-2% total volume at room temperature), volumetric flasks and burettes. Azlon has several different types of class B measuring cylinders including PP and PMP with molded or printed graduations as well as a range of class A PMP measuring cylinders (+/-1% total volume at room temperature) which remain in tolerance after at least 20 wash cycles and 10 autoclave cycles! In addition, Azlon offers a range of beakers which are designed and manufactured to BS5405 Part 1 and ISO 7056.

Q. Can company logos be printed on Azlon products?

A. Azlon can custom print practically all bottles, beakers and jugs. This is subject to minimum order quantity and print requirements. For further details please make contact with our Packaging team who will be able to provide you with a detailed quotation. Telehone : 800-828-6595 and ask for Colleen Gifford at extension 117.

Q. Which plastics are resistant to UV radiation?

A. UV radiation is a component of sunlight and is commonly used in germicidal lights in hoods. UV radiation will have a serious deleterious effect on most plastics, especially the polyolefins, including polyethylene (low-density polyethylene [LDPE] or high-density polyethylene [HDPE]); polypropylene (PP), and polymethylpentene (PMP); and acrylics. Polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC) and polyethylene terephthalate G copolymer (PETG) can withstand limited UV exposure. In general the effects of UV can be seen as a color change, usually a darkening or yellowing, combined with an embrittling effect.

Q. Which plastics can I autoclave?

A. Polypropylene (PP) and polypropylene copolymer (PPCO) products can be autoclaved many times. We have PP containers in our lab that have been autoclaved over 100 times and, although they have yellowed somewhat, they are still in service. Fluoropolymer products, i.e., products made of Teflon PFA, FEP or ETFE, can all be autoclaved without problems. Polycarbonate (PC) products can be autoclaved with caution; they should not be exposed to alkaline detergents or steam additives, and they may withstand only up to 30-50 autoclaving cycles, depending on the use. When you are autoclaving Azlon bottles and carboys please make sure to completely disengage the closure from the bottle threads. This is necessary because the leakproof Azlon sealing system does not allow venting, which can cause these containers to collapse during the exhaust cycle. Please see our fully expanded Plastic Properties data in the Technical Info section of this site.

Q. What is U.N. Certified Packaging?

A. The UK is a member of the United Nations. The UN aims to tackle safety issues including the safe transport of dangerous goods. Dangerous goods include products ranging from batteries to chemicals and biological samples. UN certified packaging is the packaging required when shipping these goods between or within UN member countries. The UN packaging system aims to protect all those involved in the transport process from sender to receiver. The packaging clearly shows the contents and nature of the dangerous good.

UN certified packaging has to be tested by the relevant regulatory body. In the UK, PIRA (Packaging Institute and Research Association) is the notified body for issuing UN certificates. A list of all dangerous goods can be obtained from the Health and Safety Executive.

Barloworld Scientific has two new ranges of UN certified packaging. The Azlon Safety 1st range of dangerous chemicals packaging is for shipping small quantities of dangerous chemicals (250ml, 500ml or 1 litre in single or four-pack formats). Safety 1st UN approved combination packs are printed with all necessary UN markings. The bottles and/or cartons can be custom printed with your company logo, product name etc. subject to minimum order requirements. Sterilin UN approved infectious substances packaging is for use with biological samples thought to contain infectious agents.