What other methods of Sterilization can be used on Thermo Scientific™ Nalgene™ plastics?

Gas Polypropylene, polymethylpentane, polypropylene copolymer, TEFZEL® ETFE, TEFLON® FEP, PFA, polycarbonate, acetal and polysulfone products as well as PVC, and silicone tubing may be gas-sterilized (ethylene oxide, formaldehyde). We recommend allowing an appropriate aeration time suited to the particular application before re-using the item.

Chemical Disinfectants In general, all of the aforementioned plastics can be subjected to commonly used disinfectants (quaternary ammonium compounds, iodophors, formalin, benzalkonium chloride, ethanol, etc.). There may be some surface attack (crazing) when using a more chemically aggressive disinfectant on the less resistant plastics (PS, SAN, PVC, PC, acrylic) with prolonged use.

Dry Heat Dry heat sterilization is recommended only for ACL (acetal or polyoxymethylene), Halar ECTFE (ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer), EFTE (ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene), TEFLON® FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene), PPCO (polypropylene copolymer), PC (polycarbonate), TEFLON® PFA (perfluoroalkoxy), PMP (polymethylpentene), PP (polypropylene), and TEFLON® TFE (tetrafluoroethylene). Maximum temperatures and minimum sterilization times at each temperature for each of these resins are given in the following table:

Dry Heat Sterilization

Microwaving In general, all plastics allow transmission of microwaves. Among commonly used plastics, PMP and PSF are most transparent to microwaves. We recommend their use when the chemical and temperature resistance of PMP and PSF are compatible with the material to be heated. Use fluoropolymers when aggressive chemicals, such as acids or solvents, are being heated; proper venting is essential. Closure threads must be completely disengaged before heating bottles or containers in a microwave oven.