Classification and Selection of Centrifuge Tube Materials

Release time:

2014-08-14

Overview:

Centrifuge tubes are a common type of laboratory consumable, available in sizes such as 1.5 ml, 2 ml, 5 ml, 10 ml, 15 ml, and 50 ml, and are primarily used in conjunction with centrifuges.

Centrifuge tubes are a common laboratory consumable, primarily used in conjunction with centrifuges. The experimental liquid is placed inside the tube and then spun in the centrifuge rotor.

Based on their materials, centrifuge tubes can generally be categorized into plastic and glass types. Plastic centrifuge tubes are more commonly used and can further be divided into materials such as PP, PC, and PS. Depending on specific requirements, manufacturers will select different plastic materials for production.

Depending on their size, centrifuge tubes are available in specifications such as 1.5 ml, 2 ml, 5 ml, 10 ml, 15 ml, and 50 ml. Among domestically produced centrifuge tubes, these few specifications are most commonly used, with the 10 ml and 50 ml sizes being the most frequently chosen. If your centrifuge is equipped to accommodate 30 ml or other non-standard-sized tubes, you’ll need to consider importing them. In addition, centrifuge tubes come in two basic bottom shapes—round bottoms and conical bottoms—and also differ in closure types: screw-top tubes feature more precise graduations, whereas tube caps with push-in closures have only a single overall volume marking.

The centrifuge tubes commonly used in laboratories come in both plastic and glass varieties. Generally, plastic tubes are more widely employed because glass centrifuge tubes cannot be used in high-speed or ultracentrifuges. Plastic centrifuge tubes are made from materials such as PP (polypropylene), PC (polycarbonate), and PE (polyethylene). Among these, PP tubes offer relatively superior performance. Plastic centrifuge tubes are either transparent or translucent, allowing for direct visual observation of the sample during centrifugation. However, they tend to deform more easily and have poorer resistance to organic solvents, resulting in a shorter service life. Therefore, laboratories typically purchase centrifuge tubes frequently. Below, we’ll provide a detailed introduction to each material separately.

PP (polypropylene): Semi-transparent, with good chemical and temperature stability; however, it becomes brittle at low temperatures, so do not centrifuge at temperatures below 4°C.

PC (polycarbonate): Offers good transparency and high hardness, and can be sterilized at high temperatures. However, it is not resistant to strong acids, strong bases, or certain organic solvents such as alcohol. It is primarily used in ultrahigh-speed centrifuges operating at speeds exceeding 50,000 rpm.

PE (polyethylene): Opaque. It does not react with acetone, acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, and other substances; it is relatively stable but tends to soften at high temperatures.

PA (Polyamide): This material is a polymer made from PP and PE, is semi-transparent, highly chemically stable, but not resistant to high temperatures.

PS (polystyrene): Transparent, highly rigid, and stable in most aqueous solutions; however, it can be corroded by various organic substances. It is commonly used for low-speed centrifugation and is typically intended for single-use only.

PF (polyfluorine): Semi-transparent and suitable for use at low temperatures. If the experimental environment ranges from -100℃ to 140℃, centrifuge tubes made of this material can be used.

CAB (Cellulose Acetate Butyrate): Transparent, suitable for gradient determination of relatively dilute acids, bases, salts, as well as alcohols and sucrose.
Classification and Material Selection of Centrifuge Tubes

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