Temperature Compatibility Guidelines for Centrifuge Tubes and Bottles

Temperature Compatibility Guidelines
for Centrifuge Tubes and Bottles

Material	Nonrefrigerated	Refrigerated	Autoclavable*
Polypropylene (PP)	Strong and rigid; holds shape and performs well, even at high speeds	Not recommended; becomes brittle and may craze or crack at high speeds	Yes
Polypropylene copolymer (PPCO)	Less rigid; closures are required at high speeds	Rigid but not brittle; optimal for high speeds	Yes
Polycarbonate (PC) and polysulfone (PSF)	Retains rigidity and mechanical strength, even at high speeds	Retains rigidity and mechanical strength, even at high speeds	Yes
PTFE	Flexible; can be used at low speeds; refrigeration preferred at high speeds	Excellent for high speeds; tubes must be run full and tightly capped	Yes
Tefzel® ETFE	Lacks rigidity; closures required for added support at high speeds	Excellent for high speeds; closures required for added support	Yes
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)	Flexible; use at low to medium speeds	More rigid; excellent for high speeds	No
High-density polyethylene (HDPE)	Use at low speeds only	Use at low speeds only	No
Polymethylpentene (PMP)	Somewhat brittle; use at low speeds only	Somewhat brittle; use at low speeds only	Yes
Polystyrene (PS)	Use at low speeds only	Use at low speeds only	No

*Note: Before autoclaving, set closure on top of tube without engaging threads.