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

Fri Mar 8 14:21:57 EST 2024

Thank you EVERYONE for the excellent information and suggestions.

These lids are old and could be part of the 'bad batch' mentioned, or
they were likely exposed to some UV prior to the new facility.  And yes -
the light.  That is a fantastic point I didn't even consider. It would have
taken me months to run all this down in the literature....whew.  What a
relief to get your suggestions.

I'm sort of on an island at my Uni as a curator in my position so ...this
is an amazing, and super helpful, community.  You all ROCK !

I have a clear path forward and truly appreciate your help, guidance, and
taking the time to reply.

thanks
lm

On Fri, Mar 8, 2024 at 1:18 PM Bentley, Andrew Charles <abentley at ku.edu>
wrote:

> 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
>
>     A  :             A  :             A  :
>  }<(((_°>.,.,.,.}<(((_°>.,.,.,.}<)))_°>
>     V                V                V
> 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
>
> ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3093-1258
>
> http://ichthyology.biodiversity.ku.edu
>
>     A  :             A  :             A  :
>  }<(((_°>.,.,.,.}<(((_°>.,.,.,.}<)))_°>
>     V                V                V
>
>
>
> *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/>*
>

-- 
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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