There have been a few questions here in the past on this subject, and I have usually been on pro-plastic for people who pay a bit attention to what they do. I finally made a short note collecting information on how to identify the plastic material used, and which bottles are suitable for what purpose, with a few useful links.

Plastic Bottles

I realized that my ascorbic acid developers die much quicker in HDPE bottles compared to PET (PETE) bottles, and in search for a better container I reviewed this topic recently, which lead to me to make a note for myself, as I forget things very quickly.

On the other hand, D-76H, Microphen, etc. in PET bottles are still as active and vigorous as years ago. I am replacing bottles containing developing reagents with PET bottles with PVC or other lining sheet under the cap.

As always, I make small updates to the page incrementally.

Just FYI,

-- Ryuji Suzuki (rsuzuki@rs.cncdsl.com), March 24, 2002

Answers

I was wondering if you have tried the accordion-like air evacuation bottles for storing photo chemistry. If so, I would be grateful to know how you evaluate them.

-- Ollie Steiner (violindevil@yahoo.com), March 25, 2002.

I don't have an accordion bottle any more. Based on what I recall from how it felt like in my hand, I think it's made of PP, HDPE or something similar, and it was not PET or PVC. If my guess on PP or HDPE are indeed correct, these materials are good acid-resistant and moisture barrier but not a good gas barrier therefore not suited for storing developers. My experience with HDPE bottle and ascorbic acid formulae is like the bottle wall is as if nonexistent when it comes to the aerial oxidation killing my chicken soup. I'd never store my wine in HDPE bottles.

One point I made in that page is to make sure that the bottle is made from PET (PETE) before storing developer in it. For storing fixer, stop bath, toning bath, and almost everything else, you can use either PET or HDPE bottles. For concentrated acid stop baths, use HDPE.

-- Ryuji Suzuki (rsuzuki@rs.cncdsl.com), March 25, 2002.

Type PETE PLASTIC on Google.com and see why it works for developers.

-- Richard C. Trochlil (trochlilbb@neumedia.net), March 25, 2002.

I clicked on your link to your website about plastic bottles but for some reason cannot read your webpage with IE 5.5 svpk 2 web broweser. It seems to be that the font you used doesn't make sense to my browser. I've never seen this anywhere else, but if you can suggest what I need to change I would very much like to see your info on plastic bottles.

Paul

-- Paul van der Hoof (paul.vanderhoof@losangeles.af.mil), March 25, 2002.

I have been noticing some Sunsweet prune bottles recently. Very dark plastic. I started saving them as possible chem bottles. I read this thread tonight and took out one of thesae bottles and looked it over. Gress what, on the bottom is loud and clear "PETE". These bottles come in quart size and a larger size. I dont have one of those on hand at this time to check for size. These are very rigged with good seal in top. Lets have some opinions.

-- okie tom (tombasin@alltel.net), March 26, 2002.

Paul, In my book, microsoft is an adjective, not a proper noun, so I don't know what you mean :-) I have tested my homepage with netscape, Opera 5, and some other text based browser like w3m with no problem. If you still have the same problem with my home page, I can send you a plain ASCII version - just email me directly. If others also have similar problem with my home page, please let me know and I'll also send you an ASCII version.

Thanks,

-- Ryuji Suzuki (rsuzuki@rs.cncdsl.com), March 27, 2002.

Ryuji, took your advice and used PET bottles to hold some D-76 I mixed last night :)

-- Nigel Smith (nlandgl@unite.com.au), March 28, 2002.