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Tables & Charts

Sterilization by Steam,
Maximum Temperatures

Material Maximum Temperature
Acetal (polyoxymethylene) Up to 121°C (250°F)
Aluminum Up to 190°C (374°F)
Celluose acetate (nonload) Up to 120°C (248°F)
Glass >190°C (374°F)
Ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer Up to 150°C (302°F)
Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene Up to 150°C (302°F)
Fluorinated ethylene propylene Up to 170°C (338°F)
High-density polyethylene Up to 120°C (248°F)
Metal Up to 190°C (374°F) 1
Muslin Up to 160°C (320°F)
Nylon (polyamide, heat-stabilized grades) Up to 130°C (266°F)
Nylon >120°C (248°F)
Paper Up to 134°C (273°F) 2
Perfluoroalkoxy Up to 170°C (338°F)
Petrolatum gauze Up to 160°C (320°F)
Polycarbonate Up to 170°C (338°F)
Polyetherimide Up to 134°C (273°F)
Polyetherketone Up to 250°C (482°F)
Polyethylene terephthalate copolymer Up to 134°C (273°F)
Polymethyl pentene Up to 170°C (338°F)
Polypropylene Up to 135°C (275°F) no stacking
Polyphenyl oxide 100°-148°C (212°-298°F)
Polypropylene copolymer Up to 120°C (248°F)
Polysulfone Up to 160°C (320°F)
Polytetrafluoroethylene Up to 170°C (338°F)
Polyurethane (aromatic) Varies depending on grade and load
Polyvinyl chloride Up to 120°C (248°F) (flexible, nonload, varies)
Polyvinylidene fluoride Up to 125°C (257°F)
Silicone Up to 200°C (392°F)
Zinc peroxide Up to 140°C (284°F)

Note: These materials should be evaluated before appling dry heat because some materials may not be heat stabilized or designed properly to withstand higher temperatures.
1Metal temper may occur above 160° or 190°C (320° or 374°F).
2Temperature varies depending upon paper type.