Ethan Clarke
Acetone is a powerful solvent that can dissolve some plastics, especially at high concentrations and over long periods. The chemical composition of plastics like PET is too similar to acetone, causing the plastic to soften, smear, or dissolve. However, acetone is commonly sold in plastic bottles made of high-density polyethylene, indicating that some plastics are resistant to its effects. Polypropylene, the plastic used for milk jugs, is one type of plastic that does not react with acetone. This paragraph will explore which plastics acetone cannot dissolve and the factors influencing the dissolution process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastics that acetone will not dissolve | Polypropylene (PP) (used in milk jugs), polyethylene squeeze bottles, plastic 'coke' bottles, and food containers |
| Plastics that acetone will dissolve | Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) |
| Other factors affecting resistance of plastics | Concentration, temperature, length of time, frequency, presence of other chemicals |
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What You'll Learn
- Polypropylene, the plastic used for milk jugs, is resistant to acetone
- HDPE is recommended for acetone storage
- Plastic 'coke' bottles can withstand acetone
- Clear plastic food containers from Chinese food containers or delis are also resistant
- High-density polyethylene, used for nail polish remover bottles, does not dissolve
Polypropylene, the plastic used for milk jugs, is resistant to acetone
Polypropylene, often used for milk jugs, is a type of plastic that is resistant to acetone. It is a very inert substance, immune to all but sunlight and fire. It is also highly resistant to most solvents, including acetone. This means that polypropylene is a good choice for storing acetone safely.
Acetone is a powerful solvent that can dissolve certain plastics, but its effectiveness varies depending on the type of plastic and other factors. Some plastics, such as polystyrene, can be dissolved by acetone, while others, like polypropylene, are highly resistant.
The resistance of a plastic to acetone is determined by its chemical makeup and various factors such as concentration, temperature, length of exposure, frequency of exposure, and the presence of other chemicals. While polypropylene is resistant to acetone, other plastics are not, and their surfaces may be damaged, softened, smeared, or even dissolved when exposed to acetone.
To effectively bond polypropylene with other plastics, such as polystyrene, additional steps are required. For example, treating the polypropylene surface with a solvent like xylene or Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) can loosen its crystalline structure and create a better surface for the other plastic to adhere to. However, it is important to note that MEK is carcinogenic and should be handled with caution.
Overall, polypropylene's resistance to acetone makes it a suitable material for storing and handling acetone without the risk of dissolution or degradation.
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HDPE is recommended for acetone storage
HDPE, or High-Density Polyethylene, is a highly crystalline polymer that is often used for chemical transport and storage due to its broad chemical resistance. This resistance is a result of its nonpolar molecular structure, which makes it ideal for safely containing and conveying most aqueous solutions, including acids, bases, and salts.
However, it is important to note that while HDPE is a suitable material for acetone storage, it is not the only option. Glass and metal containers are also commonly used to store pure acetone. Furthermore, some users have reported successfully storing acetone in plastic bottles, such as "coke" bottles, without any issues.
When using plastics to store solvents, it is recommended to use HDPE due to its corrosive resistance. It is also suggested to commit to the colour of the plastic as it will likely be dyed by the solvent.
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Plastic 'coke' bottles can withstand acetone
Plastic Coke bottles can withstand acetone, according to some sources. One source states that they have stored acetone in plastic Coke bottles for a couple of years without any problems. They also mention that plastic bottles do not shatter when they break. Another source mentions storing acetone in the clear plastic food containers that their Chinese food comes in, and they have yet to find a solvent that eats through them.
However, it is important to note that not all plastic bottles are created equal, and some types of plastic may be more susceptible to acetone than others. For example, one source mentions that PET bottles are not recommended for acetone storage as they will melt. Another source mentions that while their PET bottle has not shown any ill effects from storing acetone, a plastic bottle manufacturer stated that PET bottles are not suitable for acetone and recommended using HDPE instead.
The type of plastic that is commonly used for Coke bottles is polyethylene terephthalate (PET). While some sources suggest that PET bottles can withstand acetone storage, others warn that it may not be the best choice due to the potential for melting or swelling over time. Therefore, it is recommended to use alternative plastics, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene, for storing acetone. These types of plastic are more resistant to acetone and are less likely to be affected by it.
Overall, while plastic Coke bottles can technically withstand acetone, it is not recommended as a long-term storage solution due to the potential for degradation or leakage. It is always advisable to use a container that is specifically designed for storing acetone, such as a glass or metal container, to ensure the safety and integrity of the stored substance.
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Clear plastic food containers from Chinese food containers or delis are also resistant
Acetone is a powerful chemical that can dissolve some plastics. When choosing a plastic for an application that involves acetone, it is important to consult a plastic chemical resistance chart. This will ensure that the plastic you choose is resistant to acetone and will not be damaged or dissolved by it.
Clear plastic food containers from Chinese restaurants or delis are often made from recycled PET plastic. These containers are designed to be durable and withstand a range of temperatures, from microwavable soups to refrigerated salads. They are also tamper-resistant and tamper-evident, ensuring food safety and peace of mind for customers.
While PET plastic is known to be susceptible to acetone, with reports of PET bottles melting when used for acetone storage, it is possible that the PET plastic used in these food containers may be a different grade or include additives that enhance its acetone resistance. It is also worth noting that several variables can affect a plastic's resistance to acetone, such as concentration, temperature, length of time, frequency, and the presence of other chemicals.
In general, it is recommended to avoid using PET containers for acetone storage or applications involving prolonged exposure to acetone. However, given the specific characteristics of clear plastic food containers from Chinese food or delis, it is possible that they exhibit a higher resistance to acetone than typical PET plastic.
If you are considering using these containers for an application involving acetone, it is advisable to conduct a small-scale test to evaluate their resistance. This can be done by filling a container with acetone and observing any changes over time. Additionally, consulting with the container manufacturer or a plastics expert can provide specific insights into the acetone resistance of these clear plastic food containers.
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High-density polyethylene, used for nail polish remover bottles, does not dissolve
Acetone is a powerful solvent that can dissolve some plastics. It is commonly used as a nail polish remover and sold in plastic bottles. However, certain plastics are resistant to acetone, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
HDPE is a type of plastic commonly used in the manufacture of durable products like milk jugs and, in some cases, nail polish remover bottles. Its chemical makeup is very different from acetone, which is why it is often used to store this solvent. While HDPE is resistant to acetone, prolonged exposure to the solvent may still have some effect on the plastic over time. Variables such as concentration, temperature, length of time, frequency, and the presence of other chemicals can impact the resistance of HDPE to acetone.
Some people have reported successfully storing acetone in HDPE bottles with no noticeable ill effects. However, others have cautioned against using plastic containers for long-term storage, as the acetone can gradually affect the quality of the plastic. It is recommended to consult a plastic chemical resistance chart to determine the most suitable material for a specific application.
In comparison to HDPE, other plastics like polystyrene and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) are more susceptible to acetone. Polystyrene, for example, can melt when exposed to substances like lemon juice, indicating that it would likely not be a suitable material for storing acetone. Similarly, PET bottles are not recommended for acetone storage as they can melt or swell over time.
Overall, while HDPE is resistant to acetone and is used for nail polish remover bottles, it is important to recognize that not all plastics are created equal. The chemical composition and modifiers present in different plastics can affect their susceptibility to solvents like acetone. Therefore, it is always advisable to exercise caution when using or storing acetone and to follow the recommendations provided by the manufacturer or supplier.
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Frequently asked questions
Polypropylene, the type of plastic used in milk jugs, is the only common plastic that will not react with acetone. However, some companies sell acetone in plastic bottles made of high-density polyethylene.
PET bottles are not recommended for acetone storage because the acetone will damage and dissolve the plastic.
Storing acetone in the wrong type of plastic can result in the plastic's surface becoming softened or smeared. Additionally, traces of plastic may be introduced into the acetone solution, affecting the quality of the coating when it is used.
