Which plastic is autoclavable primarily for temperature tolerance?

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

Answer: (A)

Autoclaving relies on exposing plastics to high-temperature steam, so the material must stay dimensionally stable and retain its strength under repeated heat exposure. Polycarbonate fits this need well because its glass transition temperature is around 147°C, well above the standard autoclave temperature of 121°C. This means items made from polycarbonate resist softening and deformation during steam sterilization and can endure multiple cycles while remaining clear and tough.

Teflon can tolerate high temperatures too, but its use in autoclavable items is limited by cost and mechanical properties that aren’t ideal for general autoclavable labware. Polypropylene and polyethylene do tolerate autoclave temperatures, but they are more prone to warping or creep with repeated cycles, so they are not as robust as polycarbonate for high-temperature sterilization.