Parafilm M is a moisture-resistant thermoplastic used in research, clinical and industrial laboratories. This laboratory film can be utilized to prevent contamination, evaporation or spills. Parafilm M is self-sealing, flexible, odorless, semi-transparent and can stretch and mold to irregular shaped surfaces providing a reliable barrier. Available in an array of sizes, Parafilm M can be useful in electron microscopy droplet staining and thin-film grid coating. It can also provide a non-slip surface on trays and shelves for instruments or containers.

Roll sizes and General Purposes
(any size may be used for EM applications)

5cm x 76.2 meters (2″ wide x 250′ long)
No. 807-6 For smaller applications, 2″ squares can be cut quickly with the dispenser and used for test tubes, flasks, and covering irregular surfaces. In horticultural research, Parafilm M is used to seal grafts and cut stems to prevent moisture loss.

10cm x 38.1 meters (4″ wide x 125′ long)
No. 807 Saves time when medium sized sheet or strips are needed for larger beakers, tubes, trays, containers and culture media.

50.8cm x 15.2 meters (20″ wide x 50′ long)
No. 807-4 Horticulture research as a membrane for insect feeding, tray and shelf liner for bottles and instruments and other laboratory EM and microscopy applications.

Permeability Characteristics:

• Oxygen (ASTM 1927-98): 150 cc/m² d at 23 C and 50 RH
• Carbon Dioxide (Modulated IR Method): 1200 cc/m² d at 23 C and 0% RH
• Water Vapor (ASTM F1249-01): Flat: 1 g/m² d at 38 C and 90% RH Creased: same as flat
• Note: Because of low water permeability and the insensitivity of this material to moisture vapor, it is unlikely that differences in relative humidity (RH) will make a difference in the oxygen permeability

Effects of Common Reagents:

• Hydrochloric acid conc. (12N) dil. (5N) – no apparent effect in 24 hours
• Sulfuric acid conc. (36N) dil. (5N) – no apparent effect in 24 hours
• Nitric acid conc. (16N) dil. (5N) – no apparent effect in 24 hours
• Sodium hydroxide conc. (22%) – no apparent effect in 24 hours
• Ammonium hydroxide conc. (28% NH3) – no apparent effect in 24 hours
• Potassium permanganate: 5%: no apparent effect except permanent dark brown coloration in 18 hours 0.1%: same as 5% but slightly less color Iodine solution 0.1N: no effect except brown staining in 18 hours
• Salt (NACL) solution 20%: no apparent effect in 24 hours
• Ethyl Alcohol 95%: no apparent effect except some face whitening in 24 hours
• Isopropyl alcohol 99%: no apparent effect in 24 hours
• Not recommended for use with chlorinated, non-polar aliphatic and aromatic solvents
• Film becomes soft and sticky at about 130 F to 150 F (54 C to 66 C)