Choosing laboratory equipment can become a task in itself. Especially when you are not aware of the various options available. One of the major confusions that people face when choosing lab products. This is whether to choose glass or plastic containers. This article gives you a brief overview on laboratory materials. But before dealing with glassware and comparing plasticware, there are advantages and disadvantages. Let’s first look at the trend of laboratory products. By doing this, you can find out what kind of laboratory has been used before. And why it has now been replaced by a new one.
Laboratory glassware
Glassware such as round bottom flasks, volumetric jars, Erlenmeyer flask with caps, test tubes, vials, pipettes, ports, measuring cylinders and small containers are common in any laboratory. In the past, all of these items were made of glass. Nevertheless, plastic containers have gained a significant presence over the years. And become more popular. The main reason for its tangible existence is its unbreakable nature and its compatibility with common laboratory chemicals. However, this does not mean that glassware is not efficient enough. This is the main reason for the dramatic confusion in glass and plastic containers. Everyone can easily doubt these two because of their advantages and disadvantages. Let’s compare them, which will help you find the most suitable laboratory for your laboratory purposes.
Glassware
Glassware has long been the forerunner of volumetric glassware in laboratories. It has been used in the laboratory industry for many years. So first you need to understand the pros and cons to see if it fits your usage.
Benefits of Glass Laboratory Containers
Laboratory glassware has long been the forerunner of plastic glassware in laboratories. The main advantages offered by glass containers are: High resolution allows you to view content and accurately record volumes. Sealed glass containers are impermeable to atmospheric gases and prevent the degradation of oxidants. Glass is ineffective and does not contribute to washing contamination except for some ionic species.
Glassware can be reused after cleaning. Glassware is easily sterilized compared to plastic utensils. It is possible to make different glass products in the laboratory using glass blower services. Plastic containers cannot be made in the laboratory.Volumetric Glassware like Glass cups and flasks can be heated using hot plates without the risk of breakage.
Plastic laboratory utensils
Plastic vials
Advances in polymer materials research have helped to develop materials that meet the requirements of different laboratory chemicals. Plastic materials have contributed to the ease of large-scale automation and the mobility of materials in laboratory samples. The advent of plastic laboratory utensils has not caused. That glassware becomes obsolete. Rather, it has further contributed to the options available to the laboratory chemist.
Advantages of plastic laboratory utensils
Some of the major benefits of plastic containers in the lab are:
It is not breakable and shows some flexibility. Plastic containers are generally lightweight. And so it is easier to work with tools such as large dryers or graduated cylinders and so on. Lack of washing of inorganic species makes plastic containers a preferred option in the study of trace metals. However, plastic containers are not suitable for use in most organic solvents Plastic items such as vials and micro-pipette tips are usually disposable.
However, these materials should be reused whenever possible after proper cleaning. Because plastics are not biodegradable. And contribute to the burden of the environment. If this is not possible, discard according to prescribed norms. More reuse can save on recurring costs. Plastic items are usually cheaper than glassware.
