Disposable laboratory glass test tube with cork stopper

Glass tubes with cork stoppers are versatile laboratory tools that combine the transparency and chemical resistance of glass with the natural sealing properties of cork. Widely used in scientific experiments, storage, and educational demonstrations, these tubes offer a practical solution for handling liquids, gases, or solid samples. Below is an overview of their key advantages and primary applications.

Advantages

1. Superior Seal: Cork stoppers provide an airtight yet breathable closure, which is ideal for experiments requiring controlled gas exchange (e.g., microbial cultures) or temporary sealing to prevent evaporation.

2. Chemical Inertness: The borosilicate glass body resists corrosion from acids, alkalis, and organic solvents, ensuring compatibility with reactive substances. Cork, being a natural material, is also non-reactive with most chemicals.

3. Reusability: Both the glass tube and cork stopper can be sterilized (e.g., autoclaving) and reused, promoting sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

4. Temperature Resistance: The glass withstands high temperatures (up to 500°C for borosilicate) while cork remains stable under moderate heat, making the combination suitable for heating applications.

5. Visibility and Monitoring: The transparent glass allows easy visual inspection of reactions, precipitates, or sample clarity without opening the tube.

6. Eco-Friendly: Cork is a renewable and biodegradable material, aligning with environmentally conscious laboratory practices.

Applications

1. Chemical Laboratories:

Storing or mixing small volumes of reagents.

Conducting simple reactions where gas release needs to be controlled (e.g., fermentation studies).

2. Biological and Medical Settings:

Culture microorganisms (e.g., yeast or bacteria) with controlled aeration.

Preserve biological samples (e.g., blood, tissue) temporarily.

3. Educational Demonstrations:

Teach basic chemistry principles, such as gas collection (e.g., hydrogen or oxygen generated in reactions).

Display crystallization processes or colorimetric assays.

4. Industrial Uses:

Quality control testing in pharmaceuticals or food industries.

Small-scale synthesis or sample analysis in R&D labs.

5. Specialized Experiments:

Seed germination studies require humidity control.

DIY science projects (e.g., homemade lava lamps or terrariums).

Key Considerations

Cork Preparation: Cork stoppers may require pre-treatment (e.g., boiling or autoclaving) to ensure sterility and prevent contamination.

Limitations: Cork is less durable than synthetic stoppers for long-term storage of volatile substances. For prolonged use, consider silicone or PTFE-lined alternatives.

About Us

Yangzhou Huiying Glass Crafts Co., Ltd. is a professional engaged in the production of glass products at home and abroad enterprise. Mainly processing control glassproducts and heat-resistant glass bottle is given priority to aregular control bottle, cosmetic bottle, medicinal bottle, perfume bottle, glass tube, glass dropper and glass bottle printing. We also produce special gauge glass bottle production, and have a variety of supporting facilities required for production.