[Nhcoll-l] use of containers made from general purpose polystyrene ( GPPS ) in dry collection

[Bentley, Andrew Charles]

Hi Kareen

We have been using polystyrene boxes for cleared and stained and skeletal specimens in fishes for some time.  It is true that there are different “types” and “specifications of polystyrene but we have had a lot of luck with the non-hinged boxes sold by the following company – no crazing, no yellowing, no cracking, no deformation with formalin, ethanol or glycerine:

http://www.durphypkg.com/unhinged_boxes.pdf

More information on their boxes can be found here:  http://www.durphypkg.com/boxes.html

Hope that helps

Andy

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Andy Bentley
Ichthyology Collection Manager
University of Kansas
Biodiversity Institute
Dyche Hall
1345 Jayhawk Boulevard
Lawrence, KS, 66045-7561
USA

Tel: (785) 864-3863
Fax: (785) 864-5335
Email: abentley at ku.edu<mailto:abentley at ku.edu>
http://ichthyology.biodiversity.ku.edu<http://ichthyology.biodiversity.ku.edu/>

SPNHC President-Elect
http://www.spnhc.org<http://www.spnhc.org/>

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From: nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu [mailto:nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu] On Behalf Of Kareen Schnabel
Sent: Monday, May 05, 2014 8:21 PM
To: nhcoll-l at mailman.yale.edu
Subject: [Nhcoll-l] use of containers made from general purpose polystyrene ( GPPS ) in dry collection

Good afternoon.
We are considering containers to be used in our dry specimen collection (marine invertebrates) and are tempted by inexpensive clear boxes made from general purpose polystyrene ( GPPS ).

Does anyone have experience with the use of this material in collections?

Suitability for long-term storage?

Is pH a concern?

Thanks for your help,
Kareen

Dr Kareen Schnabel

Marine Biologist
Invertebrate Collections Manager


+64-4-386-0862 | 301 Evans Bay Parade, Greta Point, Wellington | www.niwa.co.nz<http://www.niwa.co.nz>


[NIWA]<http://www.niwa.co.nz>






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