Parafilm
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Parafilm® is a semi-transparent, flexible film composed of a proprietary blend of waxes and polyolefins. Parafilm® is a registered trademark of Bemis Company, Inc, headquartered in Neenah, WI (United States). It is a ductile, malleable, non-toxic, tasteless & odorless self-sealing thermoplastic.
Parafilm® M All-Purpose Laboratory Film
Parafilm® M All-Purpose Laboratory Film is commonly used in health care, pharmaceutical and research laboratories for covering or sealing vessels such as flasks, cuvettes, test tubes, beakers, petri dishes and more. It's ability to stretch more than 200% of it's original length, combined with it's self-sealing properties allow it to cling around irregular shapes and surfaces while providing a tight moisture barrier that holds a strong seal on glassware.[1]
Parafilm® M is available in several lengths and widths for various applications: 2"x250', 4"x125', 4"x250' & 20"x50'.
Permeability[1]
- 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: 1 g/m² d at 38°C and 90% RH
Temperature[1]
Parafilm® M is normally used at refrigerated and room temperatures (4°C to 30°C). Below 0°C it starts to lose elasticity, and will begin to soften at about 48°C so it is not recommended for applications requiring elevated temperatures (such as an autoclave). It will also become sticky at 55°C to 68°C.
Storage
Parafilm® M can be stored at least 3 years, without quality impairment, under storing conditions between 7°C and 32°C at 50% RH.[2]
Parafilm® M Banana and Produce Film
Parafilm® M Banana Film is used to reduce food waste and extend the shelf life of fresh produce by controlling the ripening process and protecting against pests & deterioration through distribution. Parafilm® M is wrapped around the freshly cut crown of bananas, pineapples and other produce, which eliminates the need for fungicides or other coatings to prevent rot.
Parafilm® Florist Stem Wrap
Parafilm® Florist Stem Wrap is used in the floral industry to extend the flower's life by protecting moisture in the stem. Used in similar applications as Floratape® and other floral tapes, Parafilm® Florist stem wrap differs in that it stretches more than 200% and does not contain paper.
Parafilm® Nursery Grafting Tape
Parafilm® Nursery Grafting Tape is used by horticulturalists for stem and bud grafting as both a graft seal and support. Good graft seals should be tight enough to retain moisture while, at the same time, loose enough to accommodate plant growth. Parafilm® is used in place of specialized types of clay, petroleum jelly and adhesive tapes. It also adds partial support needed to hold the stock and scion together before the tissues join.
Other Uses
Entomology
Entomologists have used Parafilm® M as a membrane to feed hematophagous insects such as mosquitoes and bedbugs[3] reared in the lab.
Microfluidics
A new application of Parafilm® M is to make paper-based microfluidic devices.[4] Paper-based microfluidic devices are considered a suitable way to fabricate low-cost point-of-care diagnostics for developing countries and areas where expensive medical instrumentation is not accessible. Digital microfluidic devices can also use it as the electrode insulator and hydrophobic layer [5]
Masking Tape (Modeling)
Parafilm® M is used by some modelers as a masking material during airbrushing, due to its lack of adhesion, which can destroy a finish.
See also
References
- ^ a b c "Parafilm® M All-Purpose Laboratory Film | Bemis North America". www.bemis.com. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
- ^ Miller, David (2012-05-17). "Parafilm : Frequently asked questions". The Laboratory People. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
- ^ Jr, Donald G. McNeil (30 August 2010). "Bedbugs Crawl, They Bite, They Baffle Scientists". The New York Times.
- ^ "Simple and rapid fabrication of paper microfluidic devices utilizing Parafilm® « Chips and Tips". rsc.org.
- ^ "A two-for-one dielectric and hydrophobic layer for digital microfluidics « Chips and Tips". rsc.org.
External links
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