Which plastic is autoclavable due to chemical and temperature resistance?

• A. Teflon
• B. Polyethylene
• C. Polystyrene
• D. Polyvinyl chloride

Answer: (A)

Autoclaving requires a material to withstand high temperatures in steam while remaining chemically inert. Teflon, or PTFE, fits this perfectly because it has exceptional thermal stability—its melting point is well above autoclave temperatures—and it is extremely resistant to a wide range of chemicals. This combination means it won’t soften, deform, or react during repeated sterilization cycles, so lab components made from PTFE stay stable and clean over time. In contrast, the other plastics falter under autoclaving: polystyrene and PVC soften or degrade at autoclave temperatures, and polyethylene may creep or react depending on grade and additives. Therefore the best choice for autoclavable use due to chemical and temperature resistance is Teflon.