[Nhcoll-l] Failure of plastic lids in ethanol collections

[Bentley, Andrew Charles]

Hey Lance

Great info provided by both John and Rob.  I would add from our experience with the same lids from Kols/O'Berk that we are not seeing systematic failures with these lids but random replacements over time.  We have not noticed any greater number of failures on higher shelves but do have either LED or UV shielded fluorescent lights throughout our facility.  I just undertook a full inventory of our collection to top off alcohol levels and check lids and would say that there was less than a 10-15% failure rate and it was limited almost exclusively to 8oz jar lids and mostly the unlipped variety (see below).

One thing we have noticed is a higher rate of failure with a specific type of lid that was shipped from Kols some time back (the right hand kind in the attached image that does not have a outer lip to the lid) where the lid will crack along the edge when tightened).  We have now started ensuring that we get the left hand kind whenever we order lids from Kols.  They only seem to come in the 58mm size for 8oz jars so the damage is limited.

The lids we have are stamped with MRP below the internal gasket material.  In looking on the MRP Plastics website, these are polypropylene lids while the inserts are polyethylene (F217 - https://www.oberk.com/closures/continuous-thread-caps-(ct)/plastic-ct-closure/58400ov--58--400-bla-pp-rib-matte-cap-f217-lnr).

F217 inserts are a type of polyethylene foam liner that can be used with metal, plastic, or glass. They are made of three layers: a thin foam core sandwiched between two layers of LDPE film. F217 liners are odor resistant and pulp dust free, and have good chemical resistance and a low transmission rate. They also have a low moisture transmission rate, meaning they prevent moisture from entering the bottle and affecting products.

I would concur with John and Rob that you should check your light sources for UV emissions while also motivating for lights to be off at all times when the space is unoccupied - motion sensitive lights are a great idea.

Hope that helps

Andy
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Andy Bentley
Ichthyology Collection Manager
University of Kansas
Biodiversity Institute
Dyche Hall
1345 Jayhawk Boulevard<x-apple-data-detectors://9/>
Lawrence, KS, 66045-7561<x-apple-data-detectors://9/>
USA<x-apple-data-detectors://9/>

Tel: (785) 864-3863<tel:%28785%29%20864-3863>
Fax: (785) 864-5335<tel:%28785%29%20864-5335>
Email: abentley at ku.edu<mailto:abentley at ku.edu>
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3093-1258
http://ichthyology.biodiversity.ku.edu<http://ichthyology.biodiversity.ku.edu/>
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From: Nhcoll-l <nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu> On Behalf Of Lance McBrayer
Sent: Friday, March 8, 2024 9:42 AM
To: NHCOLL-new <nhcoll-l at mailman.yale.edu>
Subject: [Nhcoll-l] Failure of plastic lids in ethanol collections

Greetings
I have noticed a systematic failure of plastic lids on the top shelves of our wet collection.  The plastic is drying and cracking, or crumbling if the lid is pressed in the middle.  Luckily I noticed this and only had 3 specimens dry out.  But, I'm learning the problem is widespread, particularly on the top shelf.

These lids were replaced in about 2010, and since 2013 been have been kept in a new storage facility with a consistent temp in the 60-69 degree F range.

The facility has shock-proof LED lighting that was supposed to emit little to no UV radiation.

I suspect the lighting is in fact emitting UV. The problem is much less common on the lower shelving racks where they are 'shaded' by jars above.  I have also guessed there may be a known 'lifespan' for plastic lids. I bought the lids from O Berk like many collections do in the USA.

 Is anyone aware of this problem? That is:
1 - What have others experienced as the lifespan of plastic lids on specimens in 70% ethanol?
2 - Does anyone have suggestions as to how to remedy a UV light issue?  There are no windows in the facility. BUT, the safety officer INSISTED on having 2 lights on in the room at all times in case some was in the room and the lights were turned off. I protested, but lost. I think it is time to revisit...?

Any advice forward is welcomed...
Thanks
lm

--
Lance McBrayer
Professor & Curator of Herpetology
Department of Biology
Georgia Southern University
TEL: 912.478.0545
Webpage<https://sites.google.com/a/georgiasouthern.edu/lance-d-mcbrayer/>
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