Which plastic is autoclavable primarily for chemical resistance?

• A. Polypropylene
• B. Teflon
• C. Polycarbonate
• D. Polyethylene

Answer: (A)

Autoclaving relies on steam at high temperature, so the material must withstand heat and not break down or react with sterilants. The best choice among common plastics for this balance is polypropylene. It remains rigid and intact after repeated steam sterilization cycles around 121°C and resists many acids, bases, and solvents used in labs. This combination—good heat tolerance plus broad chemical resistance—lets items stay reliable and reusable after many autoclave cycles.

Teflon is extremely chemically inert and heat-tolerant, but its softness and high cost make it impractical for most routine autoclavable labware. Polycarbonate can be more heat-tolerant than many plastics, but it can be less resistant to certain solvents and may degrade or crack with repeated autoclaving. Polyethylene generally has lower heat resistance, making it less suitable for standard autoclave conditions.