Yes, alcohol can react with certain types of plastic. Plastics like polycarbonate and polystyrene are the most prone to react with alcohol, so it’s especially important to avoid contact between those plastics and any form of alcohol.
This can be especially difficult since these materials are usually found in everyday items such as water bottles and food containers.
When alcohol contacts polycarbonate and polystyrene plastics, it can break down the plastic and cause it to become brittle and crack to form tiny plastic fragments. This is referred to as plastic leaching.
This can be especially dangerous when consuming beverages stored and/or transported in these containers, as small fragments may remain and be ingested.
Additionally, alcohol can react with plastic when exposed to heat, such as in a dishwasher or storage setting. This can cause certain types of plastics to degrade, resulting in plastic leaching into the beverage or food that comes into contact with the plastic.
Since alcohol can react with plastic, it is important to be aware of what plastics are in contact with it, and take measures to avoid plastic leaching as much as possible.
Does plastic melt in alcohol?
No, plastic does not usually melt in alcohol. That being said, some plastics are more susceptible to melting than others when exposed to alcohol. For example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) may be affected by alcohol or alcohol-based cleaners, but it generally does not melt due to being exposed to it.
Other plastics, like polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene, are generally resistant to alcohol and would not be expected to melt. Additionally, some coatings may be applied to the plastic to make them more resistant to alcohol.
It is always important to know what type of plastic you are dealing with when considering to expose it to alcohol or any other liquids or solvents. It is also a good idea to test a small section first if you are unsure of the effects of alcohol on the plastic.
Is it OK to store alcohol in plastic?
It is generally okay to store alcohol in plastic; however, there are some things to consider. Certain types of plastic, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can be particularly safe for storing alcohol due to its neutral nature and good air- and water-tight seal.
However, other plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) may be a poor choice for storing alcohol because this type of plastic can react with alcohol and adversely affect the taste. It’s important to ensure that any plastic container used for storing alcohol has not previously been used for storing other chemicals, as the residue from these chemicals may also leave an unpleasant taste.
It’s also worth noting that storing alcohol at high temperatures, such as in a car, may cause it to deteriorate faster. Ultimately, the best way to store alcohol is still in glass bottles or other airtight containers, but plastic is an acceptable choice as long as it is the right type and not exposed to high temperatures.
What type of plastic is safe for alcohol?
It is important to consider the type of plastic when deciding what type of plastic is safe for alcohol. The number inside the triangle of a plastic item is generally the recycling symbol associated with the type of plastic and is helpful when determining what plastic is safe for using with alcohol.
In general, for items that will contain or come in contact with alcohol, it is considered safest to use plastics with the numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5, as these materials have the highest resistance to ethanol and other alcohols.
Plastic labeled with a 1 is commonly made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE) and is generally considered safe for single uses with alcohol, such as remaking a single-serving bottle of wine or bottling a single batch of beer.
Plastics labeled with a 2 are most often made from high density polyethylene (HDPE) and generally considered safe for repeated use with alcohol, such as fermenters, prebuilt tanks, and carboys. Plastics labeled with a 4 are made of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and have some degree of ethanol permeability so repeated use should be avoided.
Plastics labeled with a 5 are made with polypropylene (PP) and are most often safe for repeated use with alcohol because they have good resistance to ethanol.
It is important to note, however, that some plastics labeled with the above numbers may still be mixed with ingredients that are not compatible with ethanol. Therefore, it is important to always research the type of plastic you are using and ensure that it is specifically safe for use with alcohol before use it.
Can rubbing alcohol be stored in a plastic bottle?
Yes, rubbing alcohol can be stored in a plastic bottle. However, it is best to use a plastic container that contains no residue from other chemicals, such as detergents, bleach, or oil. Also, the bottle should not be exposed to sunlight or extreme temperatures, as this could cause the alcohol to deteriorate or break down.
It is important to ensure that the plastic bottle is airtight and sealed properly before storing rubbing alcohol. Before you pour the rubbing alcohol into the bottle, it is important to make sure that the container is free of any dust particles or other contaminants.
If the bottle is not clean, it could cause the alcohol to spoil or become contaminated. Lastly, it is important to keep track of how long the rubbing alcohol has been stored and to replace it if it has expired.
Can you store moonshine in plastic?
Generally speaking, storing moonshine in plastic is not recommended, as plastic is less resistant to environmental fluctuations than glass, metal, or ceramic. Plastic is also more susceptible to permeability, which can transfer some of the fusel oils that are present in moonshine and often produce a nasty smell or taste.
It is best to store moonshine in glass, metal, or ceramic containers, as these are more resistant to environmental fluctuations and will keep the moonshine tasting the same over time. Additionally, the fusel oils will be less likely to permeate the container, ensuring the moonshine remains as it was intended.
Furthermore, while you can store moonshine in plastic, the container must be non-porous so that the alcohol cannot seep through, and it must not contain any chemical stabilizers or other additives that could alter the taste and smell of the moonshine.
Can you store alcohol in metal?
Yes, you can store alcohol in metal, although there are a few caveats to consider. Make sure you don’t store alcohol in metal containers that contain lead, such as some older tin cans, as the lead can leach into and contaminate the alcohol.
Aluminum, copper, stainless steel and tin-lined copper are all good types of metal to store alcohol in. Some metal containers, such as stainless steel, won’t react with or corrode when exposed to the alcohol, meaning it can be stored much longer than in other materials.
If you are concerned about maintaining alcohol flavor integrity, it is best to store it away from direct sources of heat, light and oxygen, and metal is a great material for this. However, metals like aluminum can not only react with alcohol but also corrode when exposed to it, so the alcohol should not be stored in these materials for too long.
How long can you store liquor in plastic?
It is possible to store liquor in plastic containers, but the duration of storage can vary depending on the type of plastic you are using. The most common type of plastic, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), is generally considered the safest material for extended storage.
Liquor stored in PET containers has been known to stay fresh for up to two years. However, if you choose to store liquor in other plastic types, such as polyethylene (PE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the shelf life could be significantly shortened.
Liquor stored in PE or PVC containers should be consumed within three to six months to ensure the quality of the liquor is not compromised. Additionally, storing liquor in direct sunlight or in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations can cause the alcohol to break down over time.
To ensure maximum shelf life, it is best to keep your plastic-stored liquor out of direct sunlight and at a consistent temperature.
What plastic can hold ethanol?
Polyethylene and high density polyethylene are two types of plastic that can hold ethanol. These two materials are usually used in combination with other materials, such as stainless steel or aluminum, to help contain the ethanol.
In general, these plastic materials have excellent properties in regards to ethanol, such as resistance to corrosion and compatibility with many different types of chemicals. Additionally, they are able to withstand the intense temperatures required to distill ethanol and handle any fluctuations in ethanol volume.
Polyethylene and high density poloyethylene are widely used in applications such as marine tanks, oxygen tanks, biofuel systems, fuel cells, and more.
