Similar to polyethylene and polypropylene, polypropylene copolymer is classified as a polyolefin and is a high-molecular weight hydrocarbon. PPCO is an essentially linear copolymer with repeated sequences of ethylene and propylene and combines some of the advantages of both polymers.
PPCO is autoclavable, offers much of the high-temperature performance of polypropylene, and provides some of the low-temperature strength and flexibility of polyethylene. Like all polyolefins, PPCO is non-toxic, non-contaminating, and lighter than water. PPCO is milky-white translucent in appearance.
PPCO easily withstands exposure to nearly all chemicals at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Strong oxidizing agents eventually cause embrittlement. PPCO can be damaged by long exposure to UV light.
Due to its protective elastic properties, resilience to impact, and low cost, labware made from PPCO is an excellent alternative to borosilicate glassware which is more likely to shatter and cause personal injury or loss of research materials. PPCO labware plays an important role in lab safety programs and is growing in worldwide use.
Polypropylene copolymer is used to make a huge variety of Nalgene labware including bottles, beakers, graduated cylinders, Erlenmeyer flasks, centrifuge tubes, and many other items where autoclavability and long-term chemical compatibility are key requirements. You’ll find a wide variety of Nalgene PPCO bottles to choose from. Use the Nalgene Bottle and Carboy Selection Guide to quickly find the bottle shape, size, and packaging configuration you’re looking for.