Chengdu Xinkunda Plastic Products Co., Ltd.
Chengdu Xinkunda Plastic Products Co., Ltd.
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Polypropylene (PP) sheets have become a staple material in modern laboratories, thanks to their exceptional chemical stability, durability, and safety—traits that address the unique demands of lab environments, such as exposure to corrosive reagents, frequent sterilization, and strict contamination control. As a thermoplastic polymer with a linear molecular structure, PP sheets possess distinct chemical characteristics ideal for lab settings. They exhibit strong inertness to most common lab reagents, with excellent resistance to a wide range of acids (e.g., hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid up to 70% concentration, acetic acid) and bases (e.g., sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide up to 50% concentration) at room temperature; unlike metal (which rusts) or glass (which can be etched by hydrofluoric acid), PP sheets remain structurally intact and do not leach contaminants into solutions. They are also impervious to non-polar solvents (e.g., mineral oil, gasoline, toluene) and many polar solvents (e.g., ethanol, methanol) at low to moderate temperatures, and their stable molecular bonds prevent the release of additives or polymer fragments, a critical feature for maintaining sample purity in analytical chemistry or cell culture.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.9 g/cm³ |
| Color | White/gray/beige/cyan/blue |
| Thickness | 3-30mm |
| Size | Customized |
| Temperature Resistance | Up to 120°C |
| Weather Resistance | Good |
| Electrical Insulation | High |
| UV Resistance | Good |
| Surface Finish | Smooth |
| Material | PP (Polypropylene) |
Beyond chemical resistance, PP sheets offer high thermal stability that meets labs’ frequent sterilization needs, maintaining chemical and mechanical properties at temperatures ranging from -20°C to 120°C—allowing them to withstand autoclaving without warping, melting, or breakdown. Compared to other plastics like polyethylene, PP has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion, retaining dimensional stability during temperature fluctuations, which is essential for equipment requiring precise fitting. For life science and microbiology labs, their biological inertness is invaluable: PP is non-toxic to cell cultures, bacteria, and small organisms, making it safe for tissue culture hoods, and its non-porous surface lacks organic components to support microbial growth, preventing mold in high-humidity areas like biosafety cabinets. Additionally, PP resists atmospheric oxidation at room temperature, avoiding brittleness or discoloration over time to reduce maintenance costs, and UV-stabilized variants can withstand light exposure in sample storage rooms or imaging labs.
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Chemical Stability | Excellent resistance to most acids, alkalis, and salts |
| Solvent Resistance | Tolerant to common organic solvents; less resistant to strong polar solvents |
| Hydrolysis Resistance | Resistant to hydrolysis in humid or aqueous environments |
| Food Safety | Complies with FDA and EU 10/2011 standards |
| Melting Point | 160°C to 170°C |
| Temperature Range | -20°C to 100°C (short-term exposure to 120°C) |
| Tensile Strength | 20-30 MPa |
| Electrical Insulation | Excellent insulator properties |
For lab workbenches, PP sheet liners or fully constructed benches act as a protective barrier against spilled reagents—their acid/base and solvent resistance prevents damage to underlying surfaces, while the smooth, non-porous texture allows easy cleaning with disinfectants (e.g., 70% ethanol, bleach) to reduce cross-contamination. In chemical storage, PP sheets are used for cabinets, drip trays, and secondary containment bins; their corrosion resistance protects against leaks, and non-leaching properties keep stored chemicals pure, such as drip trays shielding floors from acid spills. For fume hoods, PP liners and ductwork resist erosion from volatile, corrosive fumes, outperforming rust-prone metal or chemical-absorbing fiberglass to maintain air quality. In life science settings, PP sheets manufacture cell culture tray lids, homogenizer chambers, and microplate racks—their autoclave compatibility enables repeated sterilization, and biological inertness avoids interfering with cell growth or analytical results (e.g., PCR).
