Sciencemadness Discussion Board

polyurethane tubing and using it

rockyit98 - 14-2-2020 at 16:24

polyurethane (PU) is easily get hold of and cheap about a 1$ a yard for d=1/4 inch tube.i like to know what is the limitations of such tube and general use information on the web is sometimes controversial.

TheMrbunGee - 15-2-2020 at 00:49

Quote: Originally posted by rockyit98  
polyurethane (PU) is easily get hold of and cheap about a 1$ a yard for d=1/4 inch tube.i like to know what is the limitations of such tube and general use information on the web is sometimes controversial.




I have used it for my first distillations of DCM and acetic acid, it gets really soft at higher temperatures, especially when hot solvent condenses in it, something leached out from the tubing, but well, I got what I needed in both cases, but the tubing was unusable after, it stiffened up. and the products were contaminated.

Now, when I have the right glassware - I still prefer silicone tubing for any application. they are more expensive, but won't loose elasticity and are more inert, I think.

[Edited on 15-2-2020 by TheMrbunGee]