Parafilm M® is a moisture-resistant thermoplastic used in research, clinical and industrial laboratories. This laboratory film can be utilized to prevent contamination, evaporation or spills. Parafilm M® is self-sealing, flexible, odorless, semi-transparent and can stretch and mold to irregular shaped surfaces providing a reliable barrier. Available in an array of sizes, Parafilm M® can be useful in electron microscopy droplet staining and thin-film grid coating. It can also provide a non-slip surface on trays and shelves for instruments or containers.
Roll sizes and General Purposes
(any size may be used for EM applications)
5cm x 76.2 meters (2" wide x 250' long)
No. 807-6 For smaller applications, 2" squares can be
cut quickly with the dispenser and used for test tubes, flasks,
and covering irregular surfaces. In horticultural research, Parafilm
M is used to seal grafts and cut stems to prevent moisture loss.
10cm x 38.1 meters (4" wide x 125' long)
No. 807 Saves time when medium sized sheet or strips are
needed for larger beakers, tubes, trays, containers and culture
media.
50.8cm x 15.2 meters (20" wide x 50' long)
No. 807-4 Horticulture research as a membrane for insect
feeding, tray and shelf liner for bottles and instruments and
other laboratory EM and microscopy applications.
Permeability Characteristics:
- Oxygen (ASTM 1927-98): 150 cc/m2 d at 23°C and 50 RH
- Carbon Dioxide (Modulated IR Method): 1200 cc/m2 d at 23°C and 0% RH
- Water Vapor (ASTM F1249-01): Flat: 1 g/m2 d at 38°C and 90% RH Creased: same as flat
- Note: Because of low water permeability and the insensitivity of this material to moisture vapor, it is unlikely that differences in relative humidity (RH) will make a difference in the oxygen permeability
Effects of Common Reagents:
- Hydrochloric acid conc. (12N) dil. (5N) - no apparent effect in 24 hours
- Sulfuric acid conc. (36N) dil. (5N) - no apparent effect in 24 hours
- Nitric acid conc. (16N) dil. (5N) - no apparent effect in 24 hours
- Sodium hydroxide conc. (22%) - no apparent effect in 24 hours
- Ammonium hydroxide conc. (28% NH3) - no apparent effect in 24 hours
- Potassium permanganate: 5%: no apparent effect except permanent dark brown coloration in 18 hours 0.1%: same as 5% but slightly less color Iodine solution 0.1N: no effect except brown staining in 18 hours
- Salt (NACL) solution 20%: no apparent effect in 24 hours
- Ethyl Alcohol 95%: no apparent effect except some face whitening in 24 hours
- Isopropyl alcohol 99%: no apparent effect in 24 hours
- Not recommended for use with chlorinated, non-polar aliphatic and aromatic solvents
- Film becomes soft and sticky at about 130°F to 150°F (54°C to 66°C)