Irradiation of plastics material by means of ionising radiation

Abstract

The invention relates to a plastics component (2) for a laboratory apparatus (1) and to a plastics laboratory article (3), both of which are in the form of a moulded part (4), wherein the moulded part (4) or the starting material (6) intended for forming the moulded part (4) is exposed to ionising radiation (5) with a predetermined radiation dose in order to increase the degree of crosslinking and / or the chemical resistance. The invention also relates to a plastics component (18) which is in the form of a moulded part (4), wherein the moulded part (4) is exposed to ionising radiation (5) with a predetermined radiation dose in order to increase the degree of crosslinking and / or the chemical resistance, wherein, during irradiation, the moulded part (4) has the crystallisation temperature or melting temperature of the crystalline regions or a temperature above the crystallisation temperature or melting temperature of the crystalline regions.

Description

[0001] Irradiation of plastic material using ionizing radiation

[0002] The invention relates to a plastic component for a laboratory device according to the preamble of claim 1, a plastic laboratory article according to the preamble of claim 2, a laboratory device with a plastic component and / or plastic laboratory article according to claim 10, a method for producing a plastic component and / or a plastic laboratory article according to the preamble of claim 11, a method for treating a plastic component and / or plastic laboratory article according to the preamble of claim 13, a use of a plastic component for a laboratory device according to the preamble of claim 15, a use of a plastic laboratory article according to the preamble of claim 16, a plastic component according to the preamble of claim 17, a method for producing a plastic component according to the preamble of claim 18 and a method for treating plastic components according to the preamble of claim 19.

[0003] Plastic components for a laboratory device of the type in question are regularly formed as a molded part, in particular by forming and / or primary forming. Corresponding plastic components are used in various laboratory devices for different laboratory activities, such as measuring, dosing, weighing, or the like. The laboratory device can be any type of laboratory device, in particular a laboratory dosing device, such as a bottle-top device, a bottle-top dispenser, a burette, a bottle-top burette, or the like. The plastic component can be any type of component for a laboratory device, in particular a cannula, a receptacle, a pipette tip, a positive displacement pipette, an air-cushion pipette, a dispenser, a valve block, a valve block adapter, a housing, or the like.

[0004] The term “formed as a molded part by forming and / or primary forming” is to be understood in the context of the present invention as meaning that the molded part is at least partially produced by a forming and / or primary forming process and / or an at least partially forming and / or primary forming process step has been used to achieve the geometric shape of the molded part.

[0005] Plastic laboratory articles of the type in question are typically formed as molded parts by forming and / or primary molding. Plastic laboratory articles are used as disposable and / or reusable products in various areas of a laboratory, in particular for diagnostics, storage, receiving, volume measurement, dispensing, and / or weighing of samples or substances and chemicals used in the laboratory, especially liquids. The plastic laboratory article can be any type of plastic laboratory article, in particular receiving and / or measuring containers, flasks, funnels, dishes, consumables, well plates, microtiter plates, cell culture inserts, or the like.

[0006] Plastic components of the type in question are used in all technical fields, for example as consumables and packaging, in the laboratory sector but also in highly stressed areas such as the automotive, aircraft and / or aerospace industries.

[0007] Plastic parts for laboratory equipment, plastic laboratory articles, and plastic components are often subjected to particularly heavy-duty use and, depending on the application, may also be in temporary or permanent contact with liquids such as solvents, strong acids, and / or bases, requiring these components to exhibit high chemical resistance. Plastics for these components should exhibit high resistance to solvents such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, hexane, and toluene. Additionally or alternatively, plastics for these components ideally exhibit particularly high resistance to concentrated acids such as phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and nitric acid, and alkalis such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, salt solutions, as well as a wide variety of aromatic, polar, and non-polar solvents.Resistance to halogenated hydrocarbons such as dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran (THF) and peroxides is also generally required.

[0008] For this reason, plastics containing poly- and perfluorinated alkyl compounds, so-called fluoropolymers, are particularly frequently used because they meet the high requirements for chemical stability. Fluoropolymers, and especially long-chain poly- and perfluorinated alkyl compounds, are particularly durable compounds that degrade only slowly and therefore accumulate in the environment. Another problem is that the degradation products of these poly- and perfluorinated alkyl compounds accumulate in organisms, including humans, which can have negative health consequences. Because these substances continue to accumulate, poly- and perfluorinated alkyl compounds are increasingly subject to legal regulations.

[0009] Commercially available and easily recyclable plastics, such as polyolefins, are usually unable to meet the high requirements, particularly with regard to chemical and / or thermal and / or mechanical resistance.

[0010] The underlying problem of the invention is to create a plastic component, a plastic laboratory article, a plastic component, and / or a laboratory device comprising a plastic component and / or a plastic laboratory article that exhibits high mechanical, chemical, and / or thermal resistance while simultaneously being environmentally friendly, even without the use of fluoroplastics. The object of the invention is also to ensure that the production and / or treatment of the plastic component, the plastic laboratory article, and / or the plastic component can be carried out in a particularly simple, rapid, and cost-effective manner.

[0011] The problem identified above is in a plastic component for a laboratory device having the features of claim 1, in a plastic laboratory article having the features of claim 2, in a laboratory device having the features of claim 10, in a method for producing a plastic component for a laboratory device and / or a plastic laboratory article having the features of claim 11, in a method for treating a plastic component for a laboratory device and / or a plastic laboratory article having the features of claim 13, in a use of a plastic component for a laboratory device having the features of claim 15, in a use of a plastic laboratory article having the features of claim 16, in a plastic component having the features of claim 17,in a method for producing a plastic component having the features of claim 18 and in a method for treating a plastic component having the features of claim 19. Preferred embodiments and further developments are the subject of the respective subclaims.

[0012] The plastic component and the plastic laboratory article are each preferably formed as a molded part by forming and / or primary forming. According to the invention, the formed molded part is irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose using ionizing radiation to increase the degree of crosslinking of the plastic and / or its chemical resistance. Alternatively or additionally, a starting material intended for the formation of the molded part, for example in the form of plastic granules, is irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose using ionizing radiation to increase the degree of crosslinking and / or its chemical resistance.

[0013] The plastic material absorbs the energy introduced into it by the high-energy, ionizing radiation. This energy input breaks the plastic's chemical bonds, creating free radicals that then rebond with neighboring chains or molecules of the plastic material, thereby cross-linking the plastic material through radical cross-linking. This creates a three-dimensional, irreversible network that improves the mechanical and chemical properties of the plastic component and / or plastic laboratory article. This can increase strength, tensile strength, Young's modulus, and impact strength, as well as improve creep behavior.In particular, the chain degradation of the plastic can be reduced or kept to a minimum during long-term treatment with acids and / or bases, so that no or only a very slight change in the tensile strength can be detected.

[0014] In addition, the swelling behavior can be improved, resulting in less swelling of the plastic material when immersed in liquid, for example, when immersing PE-HD test strips in solvents such as dichloromethane or tetrahydrofuran. Furthermore, the chemical resistance of the plastic to solvents, acids and bases, and oxidizing media can be improved through radiation crosslinking. Furthermore, thermal and mechanical resistance can be increased in this way.

[0015] In principle, semi-crystalline thermoplastics can be crosslinked using ionizing radiation. For example, polycondensates such as polyamides can also be crosslinked using ionizing radiation, which enables an improvement in chemical resistance in particular. Furthermore, radiation crosslinking is generally suitable for plastics that can also be chemically crosslinked using radical initiators (e.g., peroxides). Radiation crosslinking generally only crosslinks the amorphous regions, not the crystalline regions. In this way, even inexpensive standard plastics can achieve sufficient mechanical strength and, in particular, sufficient chemical resistance for plastic components for laboratory equipment and plastic laboratory articles.

[0016] Particularly rapid crosslinking of the plastic, even deep within the plastic material in the direction of irradiation, can be achieved if the ionizing radiation is in the form of beta radiation and / or gamma radiation. In this way, a high degree of crosslinking can be achieved cost-effectively. Alternatively or additionally, irradiation with X-rays is also possible. To achieve uniform crosslinking with a high degree of crosslinking, it is particularly advantageous if the radiation or energy dose of the irradiation corresponds to a fixed dose of 8 kGy to 250 kGy, preferably 10 kGy to 225 kGy, more preferably 15 kGy to 200 kGy, and particularly preferably 50 kGy to 200 kGy. The degree of crosslinking can be specifically adjusted by varying the level of the radiation or energy dose of the ionizing radiation.

[0017] The molded part or the plastic component and / or the plastic laboratory article can preferably be irradiated unevenly or with a different radiation or energy dose in some areas, so that the plastic component or the plastic laboratory article has areas with different degrees of crosslinking and / or different mechanical and / or chemical properties. For example, the radiation source can be designed in such a way that it causes uneven irradiation of the molded part, in particular irradiation with a locally different radiation or energy dose. Alternatively, it is also possible to shield the molded part completely or partially against the ionizing radiation in certain areas. It is then possible to adapt the plastic component or the plastic laboratory article to locally different requirements in a particularly simple manner. In this way, a plastic component orPlastic laboratory items may exhibit higher mechanical strength, rigidity and / or chemical resistance in some areas than in others.

[0018] The mechanical and chemical properties of the plastic component or plastic laboratory article depend on the degree of crosslinking of the plastic. The degree of crosslinking of the plastic can be increased particularly easily if the plastic contains at least one crosslinking agent that is adapted to the respective plastic and can be activated by ionizing radiation. It is then possible to specifically adjust the degree of crosslinking by varying the amount of crosslinking agent.

[0019] Particularly high and advantageous mechanical strength and / or chemical and / or thermal resistance can be achieved if the irradiated plastic component or the irradiated plastic laboratory article has a degree of crosslinking of at least 20%, preferably of at least 30%, preferably of at least 40%, more preferably of at least 60%, and / or of less than 90%, preferably of less than 80%, more preferably between 50% and 70%. Ideally, crosslinking of up to 100% can be achieved.

[0020] Particularly preferably, the molded part or the plastic component or the plastic laboratory article is made of polyolefin, polyester, polyether, polyamide, polypropylene, polybutylene terephthalate, polyetherester, polyurethane, silicone, rubber, silicone rubber, polyvinyl chloride, polymethylpentene, PEEK and / or PEK.

[0021] Furthermore, a laboratory device with a proposed plastic component and / or a proposed plastic laboratory article is proposed. Reference may be made to all statements regarding the proposed plastic component and the proposed plastic laboratory article in this regard.

[0022] Furthermore, a method for producing a plastic component, in particular according to the proposed method, for a laboratory device and / or a plastic laboratory article, in particular according to the proposed method, is proposed. The molded part is produced in particular by forming and / or primary forming.

[0023] According to the invention, the formed molded part is irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose using ionizing radiation to increase the degree of crosslinking of the plastic and / or its chemical resistance. Alternatively or additionally, a starting material intended for forming the molded part, for example in the form of plastic granules, is irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose using ionizing radiation to increase the degree of crosslinking and / or its chemical resistance. Reference is made in this regard to all statements regarding the proposed plastic component and / or the proposed plastic laboratory article. The irradiation and the associated radiation crosslinking can improve the mechanical and chemical properties of the plastic component and / or plastic laboratory article, as already described above.This allows for increased strength, tensile strength, Young's modulus, and impact strength, as well as improved creep behavior. Radiation crosslinking can, in particular, reduce or minimize chain degradation of the plastic during long-term exposure to acids and / or bases, so that no or only a reduced change in tensile strength is detectable.

[0024] In addition, the swelling behavior can be improved, resulting in less swelling of the plastic component and / or plastic laboratory article when immersed in a liquid, for example, when immersing PE-HD test strips in solvents such as dichloromethane or tetrahydrofuran. Furthermore, the chemical resistance of the plastic to solvents, acids and bases, and oxidizing media can be improved through radiation crosslinking. Furthermore, thermal and mechanical resistance can be increased.

[0025] Due to the deep penetration of ionizing radiation, especially beta radiation, it is advantageously possible to package the molded part and then irradiate it with ionizing radiation while packaged. This allows the degree of crosslinking and / or chemical resistance of the plastic to be increased while already packaged. In particular, the handling of the molded parts can be improved or simplified thanks to the packaging.

[0026] Furthermore, a method for treating a plastic component for a laboratory device and / or a plastic laboratory article, in particular according to the proposed method, is proposed. Reference may be made to all statements regarding the proposed plastic component for a laboratory device and / or the proposed plastic laboratory article in this regard.

[0027] According to the invention, the plastic component and / or the plastic laboratory article is irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose using ionizing radiation to increase the degree of crosslinking and / or chemical resistance. In this way, conventionally manufactured plastic components and plastic laboratory articles can be treated with ionizing radiation and crosslinked with radiation to increase the degree of crosslinking of the plastic and / or chemical resistance. Already manufactured plastic components and plastic laboratory articles can thus be easily subsequently adapted to their specific application with regard to their mechanical and chemical properties.

[0028] Furthermore, the use of a plastic component, particularly one according to the proposed one, for a laboratory device is proposed. Reference may be made to all statements regarding the proposed plastic component for a laboratory device in this regard.

[0029] According to the invention, the formed molded part is irradiated with a predetermined dose of ionizing radiation to increase the degree of crosslinking of the plastic and / or its chemical resistance. Alternatively or additionally, a starting material intended for the formation of the molded part, for example in the form of plastic granules, is irradiated with a predetermined dose of ionizing radiation to increase the degree of crosslinking and / or its chemical resistance.

[0030] Furthermore, the use of a plastic laboratory article, in particular one according to the proposed article, is proposed. Reference is made to all statements regarding the proposed plastic laboratory article in this regard. According to the invention, the formed molded part is irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose using ionizing radiation to increase the degree of crosslinking of the plastic and / or its chemical resistance. Alternatively or additionally, a starting material intended for the formation of the molded part, for example in the form of plastic granules, is irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose using ionizing radiation to increase the degree of crosslinking and / or its chemical resistance.

[0031] Furthermore, a plastic component is proposed which is formed as a molded part in particular by forming and / or primary forming.

[0032] According to the invention, the formed molded part is irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose using ionizing radiation to increase the degree of crosslinking of the plastic and / or its chemical resistance. During the irradiation, the molded part has a temperature equal to or above the crystallization temperature and / or the melting temperature of the crystalline regions and / or of the semi-crystalline plastic. Upon exceeding the crystallization temperature or the melting temperature of the crystalline regions, the crystalline regions transform into amorphous regions. In contrast, upon cooling below the crystallization temperature, crystalline regions re-form.

[0033] Irradiating plastic with ionizing radiation generally only leads to crosslinking of the amorphous regions of the plastic, as already explained above. By heating the molded part to the plastic-specific crystallization temperature or melting temperature of the crystalline regions, or to a temperature above the crystallization temperature or melting temperature, the previously crystalline regions of the molded part transition into a melt state and thus into the amorphous phase. This is then known as an isotropic melt. If crosslinking occurs at or above the crystallization temperature of the plastic or the melting temperature of the crystalline regions, the degree of crosslinking of the plastic can be significantly increased, and at the same time, particularly uniform crosslinking of the plastic can be achieved.The degree of crosslinking can be significantly increased compared to crosslinking at temperatures below the crystallization temperature or the melting temperature of the crystalline regions. The higher the temperature at which the irradiation occurs, the more mobile and thus more reactive the individual polymer chains are. At the same time, the mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties can be significantly improved compared to crosslinking at temperatures below the crystallization temperature. Appropriately designed plastic components exhibit particularly good mechanical properties, such as high strength, a high modulus of elasticity, high impact resistance, as well as good chemical properties, such as high chemical resistance to solvents, acids, and bases, and / or particularly good thermal properties.Corresponding plastic components can therefore be used reliably even in highly stressed areas, resulting in a diverse range of applications.

[0034] Furthermore, a method for producing a plastic component, in particular one according to the proposed method, is also proposed, wherein a molded part is formed, in particular, by forming and / or primary forming. Reference can be made to all statements regarding the proposed plastic component in this regard.

[0035] According to the invention, the formed molded part is tempered to the crystallization temperature or melting temperature of the crystalline regions or a temperature above the crystallization temperature or melting temperature of the crystalline regions, and the molded part is irradiated in the tempered state using ionizing radiation with a predetermined radiation dose to increase the degree of crosslinking of the plastic and / or the chemical resistance. Furthermore, a method for treating a plastic component, in particular one according to the proposal, is proposed. Reference may be made to all statements regarding the proposed plastic component in this regard.

[0036] According to the invention, the plastic component is tempered to the crystallization temperature or melting temperature of the crystalline regions or to a temperature above the crystallization temperature or melting temperature of the crystalline regions. In the tempered state, the plastic component is irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose using ionizing radiation to increase the degree of crosslinking of the plastic and / or its chemical resistance. In this way, conventionally manufactured plastic components can be subsequently treated with ionizing radiation and radiation crosslinked to increase the degree of crosslinking of the plastic and / or its chemical resistance. Plastic components can thus be easily customized to their specific application after actual production.

[0037] In particular, elongated plastic components, such as hoses or pipes, can first be passed through a heating device or through the heating zone of the heating device and then cross-linked with radiation. In particular, the plastic components can be passed continuously through the heating device or the heating zone and then irradiated with ionizing radiation.

[0038] Alternatively, the plastic component can be placed inside a thermal box permeable to ionizing radiation. Additionally, a heating element for heat dissipation can be placed inside the thermal box. The heating element allows the plastic component to be kept above a predetermined temperature, particularly above the crystallization temperature or melting temperature of the crystalline regions, in a controlled manner for a long period of time. The thermal box, containing the plastic component, can then be irradiated with ionizing radiation.

[0039] In the following, the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing which merely represents a preferred embodiment.

[0040] The drawing shows

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a laboratory device according to the invention, in particular a laboratory dosing device, with a plastic component according to the invention,

[0042] Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the plastic component from Fig. 1,

[0043] Figl 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a plastic laboratory article according to the invention,

[0044] Fig. 4 shows schematically in a side view a device for irradiating plastic granulate,

[0045] Fig. 5 shows a schematic side view of a device for irradiating the plastic component, the plastic laboratory article and / or the plastic component with ionizing radiation,

[0046] Fig. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a plastic component according to the invention,

[0047] Fig. 7A shows a schematic perspective view of a receiving element of a thermobox with a heat element and plastic component arranged therein, Fig. 7B shows a schematic perspective view of the receiving element closed with a lid and

[0048] Fig. 8 schematically shows a side view of a device for irradiating the plastic component, the plastic laboratory article and / or the plastic component with ionizing radiation according to a further embodiment.

[0049] Fig. 1 shows a particularly preferred embodiment of a laboratory device 1 with a preferred embodiment of a plastic component 2 for a laboratory device 1. The laboratory device 1 shown in Fig. 1 is designed as a laboratory dosing device.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the laboratory device 1 is a volumetric measuring device with a reciprocating piston, in particular a bottle-top dispenser. All statements also apply to other laboratory devices 1 accordingly.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the plastic component 2 is designed as a valve block of the laboratory device 1, in particular a bottle-top dispenser, as shown in Fig. 1.

[0052] Fig. 2 shows the plastic component 2 from Fig. 1 in detail. As mentioned above, the plastic component 2 can also be another component for a laboratory device 1, for example, a housing or the like. All statements regarding the plastic component 2 apply accordingly to other components for a laboratory device 1.

[0053] Fig. 3 shows a particularly preferred embodiment of a plastic laboratory article 3, in particular for receiving, storing, measuring volume, dispensing, and / or weighing a liquid. In Fig. 3, the plastic laboratory article 3 is designed as a measuring cylinder. As mentioned above, the plastic laboratory article 3 can also be another plastic laboratory article. All statements apply accordingly to other plastic laboratory articles.

[0054] In the following, the plastic component 2 and the plastic laboratory article 3 are described in more detail, whereby the description is made exclusively with reference to the plastic component 2, whereby any statements also apply analogously to the plastic laboratory article 3.

[0055] The plastic component 2 is designed as a molded part 4, which is produced in particular by primary forming and / or forming. For example, the molded part 4 can be produced by injection molding (primary forming) and / or thermoforming (forming). It is also possible that other manufacturing steps, such as separating processing to produce the molded part 4, have been performed.

[0056] The formed molded part 4 preferably has the same shape as the finished plastic component 2. However, it is also possible for the molded part 4 to be reworked, particularly by separating, in order to obtain the final shape of the plastic component 2.

[0057] The molded part 4, and thus also the plastic component 2, is made of plastic, preferably a thermoplastic, in particular a (semi-)crystalline plastic. The molded part 4 is formed, in particular, from polyolefin, polyester, polyether, polyamide, polypropylene, polybutylene terephthalate, polyetherester, polyurethane, silicone, rubber, silicone rubber, polyvinyl chloride, polymethylpentene, PEEK, and / or PEK.

[0058] Corresponding plastics often have low and / or insufficient chemical resistance to acids, bases and / or solutions and / or oxidizing media. Furthermore, the mechanical properties are not sufficient for all applications. Preferably, the formed molded part 4 is irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose using ionizing radiation 5 to increase the degree of crosslinking of the plastic and / or the chemical resistance. The irradiation can significantly increase the degree of crosslinking of the plastic compared to a non-irradiated molded part 4. Due to the higher degree of crosslinking, the mechanical properties and / or thermal properties of the molded part 4 or the plastic component 1 can be improved. Accordingly, radiation-crosslinked molded parts 4 preferably also have better chemical resistance to acids, bases and / or solutions.

[0059] Alternatively or additionally, a starting material 6 intended for the primary forming and / or reshaping of the molded part 4, for example in the form of plastic granules, can be irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose by means of ionizing radiation 5 to increase the degree of crosslinking and / or chemical resistance. The term "starting material" in this case refers to the material required to form the molded part 4 in its physical form and includes all physical material forms, such as plastic granules, semi-finished products, or the like.

[0060] Due to the irradiation by means of ionizing radiation 5, the starting material 6 has cross-links which are at least partially retained during the subsequent primary shaping, forming and / or separation, whereby the molded part 4 and thus the plastic component 2 have a higher degree of cross-linking than molded parts 4 or plastic components 2 whose starting material 6 is not irradiated by means of ionizing radiation 5.

[0061] Appropriately designed plastic components 2 exhibit improved strength, impact resistance, and better chemical resistance to acids, bases, and / or solutions, making them suitable for use within a particularly wide range of requirements. The ionizing radiation 5 is preferably beta radiation and / or gamma radiation. Gamma radiation, in particular, can penetrate or act deeply into the molded part 4 and thus cause uniform crosslinking of the plastic, particularly in the direction of irradiation. The radiation or energy dose of beta and / or gamma radiation can be precisely adjusted in a simple manner, whereby targeted crosslinking of the plastic can be achieved in a particularly simple manner.

[0062] For example, beta radiation can penetrate polyethylene to a depth of several millimeters to several centimeters. In comparison, gamma radiation can penetrate polyethylene to a significantly greater depth.

[0063] A high degree of crosslinking with preferably particularly uniform crosslinking can be achieved if the radiation or energy dose of the irradiation is from 8 kGy to 250 kGy, preferably from 10 kGy to 225 kGy, more preferably from 15 kGy to 200 kGy, particularly preferably from 50 kGy to 200 kGy.

[0064] As already explained, the mechanical and chemical properties of the plastic are changed by radiation crosslinking. Through uniform irradiation with ionizing radiation 5 and the resulting crosslinking, it is possible to achieve homogeneous mechanical and / or chemical properties of the plastic component 2. However, it is also possible for the plastic component 2 to have regions with different degrees of crosslinking and / or different chemical resistance. This can be achieved by completely or at least partially shielding regions of the molded part 4 during irradiation with ionizing radiation 5, as will be described in detail below with regard to the manufacturing and / or treatment process. The plastic component 2 then has regions with different mechanical and / or chemical properties.In this way, it is possible to specifically adapt individual areas of the plastic component 2 to the requirements of the specific application. For example, an area that comes into temporary or permanent contact with acids, bases, and / or solutions can exhibit a higher degree of crosslinking and / or higher chemical resistance than another area of ​​the plastic component 2 that does not come into contact with acids, bases, and / or solutions.

[0065] In order to specifically increase the degree of crosslinking of the plastic component 2, the molded part 4 or the plastic of the molded part 4 preferably comprises at least one crosslinking agent that can be activated by ionizing radiation 5. TAIC (triallyl isocyanurate), for example, can be used as a crosslinking agent. Alternatively or additionally, the use of other crosslinking agents is also possible. The selection of the crosslinking agent can depend on the plastic used and / or the degree of crosslinking to be achieved.

[0066] Preferably, the proportion of crosslinking aid is at least 0.1 wt.%, more preferably at least 0.2 wt.%, and / or less than 5 wt.%, preferably less than 4 wt.%.

[0067] The plastic component 2 preferably has a degree of crosslinking of at least 20%, preferably of at least 30%, preferably of at least 40%, more preferably of at least 60%, and / or of less than 90%, preferably of less than 80%, more preferably between 50% and 70%. It is particularly advantageous if the plastic component 2 or the plastic of the plastic component 2 has a degree of crosslinking of up to 100%.

[0068] The degree of crosslinking can be determined using wet-chemical methods and / or rheological measurements, among others. The proportion of crosslinked chains is determined in the wet-chemical method by determining the gel content through solvent extraction at elevated temperature. For example, the gel content can be determined after leaching in toluene.

[0069] Rheological measurements are an alternative approach for determining the degree of crosslinking. They take advantage of the fact that the crosslinked material behaves like an elastomer above the melting temperature of the crystallites. The storage modulus can then be measured using a rheometer in a dynamic mechanical experiment. A method for crosslinked polyethylene is specified in DIN 16728:2019-10.

[0070] A particularly high degree of crosslinking can be achieved if the molded part 4 is heated to or above the crystallization temperature or melting temperature of the crystalline regions during irradiation. Crosslinking by ionizing radiation 5, as already described, only takes place in amorphous regions of the plastic. If the molded part 4 is heated to the crystallization temperature or melting temperature of the crystalline regions or a higher temperature, the crystalline phases transform into the amorphous phase. By irradiating the molded part 4 at or above the crystallization temperature or melting temperature of the crystalline regions with ionizing radiation 5, even regions that previously had a crystalline structure can be crosslinked. The degree of crosslinking can thus be increased to a particularly high degree in a particularly simple manner.

[0071] During irradiation, the molded part 4 preferably has a temperature of at most 10°C higher than the crystallization temperature or melting temperature of the crystalline regions, preferably at most 5°C higher than the crystallization temperature or melting temperature of the crystalline regions.

[0072] Irradiation and crosslinking by means of ionizing radiation at high temperatures, in particular at temperatures higher than or equal to the crystallization temperature or melting temperature of the crystalline regions, leads to a high degree of crosslinking with a comparatively low degree of crystallization. For example, a molded part 4 made of PE-HD, i.e. a high-density polyethylene, has a degree of crystallization of approximately 67% to 79% without irradiation by ionizing radiation 5. When irradiated by means of ionizing radiation 5 with a radiation or energy dose of 200 kGy, a degree of crystallization of a molded part made of PE-HD of approximately 66% to 70% can be achieved. At the same time, the molded part 4 can have a degree of crosslinking of approximately 68%. If the molded part 4 is irradiated at the crystallization temperature or melting temperature of the crystalline regions by means of ionizing radiation 5 with a radiation or energy dose ofWith an energy dose of 200 kGy, degrees of crystallization of the molded part 4 of 53% to 70% can be achieved. At the same time, a degree of crosslinking of approximately 80% can be achieved.

[0073] The degree of crystallization can be determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The degree of crosslinking can be determined by the gel content, particularly by leaching in toluene.

[0074] The manufacturing process for the plastic component 2 or plastic laboratory article 3, as well as a process for treating a plastic component 2 or a plastic laboratory article 3, are described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. The processes are described below by way of example only with reference to the plastic component 2. All statements apply analogously to the plastic laboratory article 3.

[0075] To produce the plastic component 2, a molded part 4 is formed by forming and / or primary shaping, for example by injection molding, as shown in Fig. 4. Alternatively, it is also possible to form the molded part 4 by extrusion, thermoforming and / or machining. The starting material 6 intended for forming the molded part 4 can be irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose by means of ionizing radiation 5 to increase the degree of crosslinking and / or chemical resistance. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 and thus preferred, the starting material 6 is in the form of plastic granulate. Alternatively, it is also possible for the starting material 6 to be in the form of a semi-finished product.

[0076] For irradiating the starting material 6, an irradiation device 7 is preferably provided, as shown by way of example in Fig. 4. The irradiation device 7 preferably has a shield 8 that encloses an irradiation chamber 9 and shields the environment from the ionizing radiation 5.

[0077] The irradiation device 7 can be arranged directly above a filling hopper 10 of an injection molding system 11 with a plasticizing unit 12 and a tool 13. It is then possible to irradiate the plastic granulate using ionizing radiation 5 as it is inserted into the filling hopper.

[0078] Alternatively, the irradiation device 7 can also be arranged independently of the injection molding system 11. In this way, the plastic granulate can be radiation-crosslinked immediately after production, in particular independently of the production or molding and / or before further processing, which can take place at a different location.

[0079] After the molded part 4 has been formed, it can be transferred to a conveyor 14 for further transport, as shown in Fig. 5. In the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the conveyor 14 is designed as a conveyor belt 15. The molded part 4 can be placed on the conveyor belt 15 individually or in groups of at least two molded parts 4.

[0080] The molded part 4 can then be transported to an irradiation device 7 by means of the conveyor device 14. Alternatively or in addition to irradiating the starting material 6, it is then possible to irradiate the molded part 4 with a predetermined radiation dose using ionizing radiation 5 to increase the degree of crosslinking and / or the chemical and / or thermal resistance, as shown in Fig. 5.

[0081] Irradiation by the irradiation device 7 can be carried out using beta radiation and / or gamma radiation. Irradiation with X-rays is also possible.

[0082] The irradiation device 7 is preferably designed to uniformly irradiate the molded part 4 with ionizing radiation 5 at a uniform radiation or energy dose. In this way, a molded part 4 with uniform crosslinking can be obtained.

[0083] However, the molded part 4 can also have regions with varying degrees of crosslinking. For this purpose, the molded part 4 can be completely or partially shielded in certain regions. The shielded regions of the molded part 4 are then not irradiated or are only irradiated with a lower radiation or energy dose, whereby the shielded regions have a lower degree of crosslinking and / or lower chemical resistance. A stencil can be used for shielding that is only permeable to ionizing radiation 5 in regions that are to be crosslinked and / or has regions with varying permeability to ionizing radiation 5.

[0084] Alternatively, the irradiation device 7 can also be designed to generate ionizing radiation 5 with locally different radiation or energy doses, so that individual areas of the molded part 4 are irradiated with different radiation or energy doses.

[0085] Due to the low absorption of beta radiation and / or gamma radiation, it is possible for the molded part 4 to be packaged first and then irradiated in the packaged state using ionizing radiation 5. For this purpose, the molded part 4 can first be packaged in a package 16. The package 16 is preferably made of plastic, cardboard, and / or paper. However, it is also possible for other materials to be used to form the package.

[0086] It is possible to package the molded parts 4 individually or to package several molded parts 4 together in a package 16. The package 16 containing at least one molded part 4 can then be placed on the conveyor belt 15 and fed to the irradiation device 7 for irradiation with ionizing radiation 5.

[0087] The molded part 4 can be tempered to the crystallization temperature or melting temperature of the crystalline regions or to a temperature above the crystallization temperature or melting temperature of the crystalline regions, so that the irradiation with ionizing radiation 5 can take place at or above the crystallization temperature or melting temperature of the crystalline regions. For this purpose, the irradiation device 7 can have a heating device 17 for tempering the molded part 4. Alternatively, a heating device 17 can also be arranged upstream of the irradiation device 7.

[0088] The heating device 17 can be designed, for example, as an infrared heater, radiant heater, tempering oven or the like.

[0089] Thus, the molded part 4 can first be conveyed into the heating area of ​​the heating device 17. The term "heating area" preferably refers to the area in which the molded part 4 is heated by the heating device 17. Following the heating of the molded part 4, irradiation with ionizing radiation 5 can then take place.

[0090] In particular, the molded part 4 can be continuously conveyed through the heating area of ​​the heating device 17 and the irradiation device 7. The molded part 4 can be heated in sections and, in particular, subsequently irradiated. Particularly in the case of long molded parts 4, such as pipes or hoses, a section of the molded part 4 can be heated first. While this section is irradiated by ionizing radiation 5, an immediately adjacent section of the molded part 4 can be heated. Appropriately designed molded parts 4 can have an extension along the conveyor belt 15 of at least 1 m.

[0091] It is also possible to subsequently cross-link plastic components 2 or plastic laboratory articles 3 as part of a post-treatment, as described below using a plastic component 2. All statements also apply analogously to a plastic laboratory article 3.

[0092] A plastic component 2 can be irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose using ionizing radiation 5 to increase the degree of crosslinking and / or chemical resistance. A corresponding treatment process is shown in Fig. 5. Using this treatment process, plastic components 2 manufactured and / or already packaged at another location can also be radiation-crosslinked and thus subsequently adapted to the respective individual requirements.

[0093] In this respect, reference may be made to all statements relating to the proposed manufacturing process of a plastic component 2 or plastic laboratory article 3 as well as to the proposed plastic component 2 or plastic laboratory article 3.

[0094] The plastic component 2 can be completely or partially shielded in certain areas. The shielded areas of the plastic component 2 are then not irradiated or are only irradiated with a lower radiation or energy dose, whereby the shielded areas have a lower degree of crosslinking and / or lower chemical resistance. A stencil can be used for shielding that is only permeable to ionizing radiation 5 in areas that are to be crosslinked. Alternatively, the irradiation device 7 can also be designed to generate ionizing radiation 5 with locally different radiation or energy doses, so that individual areas of the molded part 4 are irradiated with different radiation or energy doses.

[0095] According to a further teaching of independent significance, a plastic component 18 is provided, which is formed, in particular, by forming and / or primary forming as a molded part 4. The plastic component 18 is shown in Fig. 6. Reference may be made to all statements regarding the proposed plastic component 2 and the proposed plastic laboratory article 3, as well as the manufacturing and treatment process.

[0096] The molded part 4 is made of plastic, preferably a thermoplastic, in particular a semi-crystalline plastic. The molded part 4 is formed, in particular, from polyolefin, polyester, polyether, polyamide, polypropylene, polybutylene terephthalate, polyetherester, polyurethane, silicone, rubber, silicone rubber, polyvinyl chloride, polymethylpentene, PEEK, and / or PEK. However, a construction from at least one other plastic is also possible.

[0097] Such plastics often exhibit low and / or insufficient chemical resistance to acids, bases, and / or solvents. Furthermore, their mechanical and / or thermal properties are not sufficient for all applications.

[0098] Preferably, the molded part 4 is irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose by means of ionizing radiation 5 to increase the degree of crosslinking of the plastic and / or the chemical resistance, wherein the molded part 4 has the crystallization temperature or a temperature above the crystallization temperature during the irradiation.

[0099] Crosslinking by ionizing radiation 5 occurs only in amorphous regions of the plastic of the molded part 4. If the molded part 4 is heated to the crystallization temperature or melting temperature of the crystalline regions, or a higher temperature, the crystalline phases of the molded part 4 transform into an amorphous phase. Irradiation with ionizing radiation 5, during which the molded part 4 is appropriately tempered, can also crosslink regions that were previously crystalline. The degree of crosslinking can thus be significantly increased in a particularly simple manner.

[0100] In particular, plastic components 18 that are tempered to the crystallization temperature or melting temperature of the crystalline regions or above during irradiation with ionizing radiation 5 exhibit a higher degree of crosslinking than with identical irradiation below the crystallization temperature or melting temperature of the crystalline regions. Alternatively or additionally, plastic components 18 that are tempered to the crystallization temperature or melting temperature of the crystalline regions or above during irradiation with ionizing radiation 5 exhibit a higher chemical resistance than with identical irradiation below the crystallization temperature or melting temperature of the crystalline regions.

[0101] Preferably, the molded part 4 is heated to a temperature of at most 10°C higher than the crystallization temperature and / or the melting temperature of the crystalline regions, preferably at most 5°C higher than the crystallization temperature and / or the melting temperature of the crystalline regions. During irradiation, the molded part 4 preferably has a temperature of at most 10°C higher than the crystallization temperature and / or the melting temperature of the crystalline regions, preferably at most 5°C higher than the crystallization temperature and / or the melting temperature of the crystalline regions.

[0102] Correspondingly irradiated plastic components 18 exhibit improved strength, tensile strength, impact resistance, a higher modulus of elasticity, improved creep behavior, and better chemical resistance to acids, bases, and / or solutions, making them suitable for use within a broader range of requirements. The ionizing radiation 5 is preferably beta radiation and / or gamma radiation. Gamma radiation, in particular, penetrates deeply into the molded part 4 and thus causes uniform crosslinking of the plastic. The radiation or energy dose of beta and / or gamma radiation can be adjusted particularly precisely, so that targeted crosslinking of the plastic can be achieved easily.

[0103] For example, beta radiation can penetrate polyethylene to a depth of up to 10 mm. In comparison, gamma radiation can penetrate polyethylene to a depth of up to 100 mm.

[0104] A high degree of crosslinking with preferably particularly uniform crosslinking can be achieved if the radiation or energy dose of the irradiation is from 8 kGy to 250 kGy, preferably from 10 kGy to 225 kGy, more preferably from 15 kGy to 200 kGy, particularly preferably from 50 kGy to 200 kGy.

[0105] As already explained, the mechanical and chemical properties of the plastic are modified by radiation crosslinking. Through uniform crosslinking, it is possible to achieve homogeneous mechanical and / or chemical properties of the plastic component 18. However, it is also possible for the plastic component 18 to have areas with varying degrees of crosslinking and / or different chemical resistance.

[0106] This can be achieved by completely or at least partially shielding areas of the molded part 4 during irradiation with ionizing radiation 5. The plastic component 18 then has areas with different mechanical and / or chemical properties. It is then possible to specifically adapt individual areas of the plastic component 18 to the requirements of the specific application. For example, an area that comes into temporary or permanent contact with acids, bases, and / or solutions can have a higher degree of crosslinking and / or higher chemical resistance than another area of ​​the plastic component 18 that does not come into contact with acids, bases, and / or solutions.

[0107] The degree of crosslinking of the plastic component 2 can be specifically increased if the molded part 4 or the plastic of the molded part 4 preferably comprises at least one crosslinking agent that can be activated by ionizing radiation 5. TAIC (triallyl isocyanurate), for example, can be used as a crosslinking agent. Alternatively or additionally, the use of other crosslinking agents is also possible. In particular, the selection of the crosslinking agent can be made depending on the plastic used and / or the desired degree of crosslinking.

[0108] Preferably, the proportion of crosslinking aid is at least 0.1 wt.%, more preferably at least 0.2 wt.%, and / or less than 5 wt.%, preferably less than 4 wt.%.

[0109] The plastic component 18 preferably has a degree of crosslinking of at least 20%, preferably of at least 30%, preferably of at least 40%, and / or of less than 90%, preferably of less than 80%, more preferably between 50% and 70%. In particular, the plastic component 2 can have a degree of crosslinking of up to 100%.

[0110] The manufacturing process of the plastic component 18 and a process for treating a plastic component 18 are described with reference to Fig. 5.

[0111] To produce the plastic component 18, a molded part 4 is formed, in particular, by forming and / or primary shaping, for example, by injection molding, as shown in Fig. 4. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to form the molded part 4 by another method, for example, by extrusion and / or thermoforming. To increase the degree of crosslinking and / or chemical resistance, the molded part 4 can be irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose using ionizing radiation 5, as shown in Fig. 5. A provided irradiation device 7 is then designed, in particular, to irradiate the formed molded part 4 using the ionizing radiation 5.

[0112] The irradiation device 7 preferably has a shield 8 which encloses an irradiation chamber 9 and shields the environment from the ionizing radiation 5.

[0113] After the molded part 4 has been formed, it can be transferred to a conveyor 14 for further transport, as shown in Fig. 5A. In the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 5A, the conveyor 14 is designed as a conveyor belt 15. The molded part 4 can be placed individually or in groups on the conveyor belt 15.

[0114] The molded part 4 can then be transported to the irradiation device 7 by means of the conveyor device 14 and irradiated with ionizing radiation 5 by means of the irradiation device 7.

[0115] The irradiation by means of the irradiation device 7 can be carried out by means of beta radiation and / or gamma radiation.

[0116] Due to the pronounced penetration depth of beta radiation and / or gamma radiation, it is possible for the molded part 4 to be packaged first and then irradiated with ionizing radiation in the packaged state. Fig. 5 shows the irradiation of molded parts 4 contained in packaging 16 using ionizing radiation 5.

[0117] The packaging 16 is preferably made of plastic, cardboard, and / or paper. However, it is also possible for other materials to be used to form the packaging. The molded part 4 is preferably, as already described, tempered to the crystallization temperature or melting temperature of the crystalline regions or a temperature above the crystallization temperature or melting temperature of the crystalline regions, so that the irradiation with ionizing radiation 5 can take place at or above the crystallization temperature or melting temperature of the crystalline regions. The irradiation device 7 can for this purpose have a heating device 17 for heating the molded part 4. Alternatively, a heating device 17 can also be arranged upstream of the irradiation device 7.

[0118] It is also possible for a starting material 6 intended for the forming and / or primary shaping of the molded part 4 to be irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose using ionizing radiation 5 to increase the degree of crosslinking and / or chemical resistance. In the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the starting material 6 is in the form of plastic granules. Alternatively, it is also possible for the starting material 6 to be in the form of a semi-finished product.

[0119] It is also possible to subsequently crosslink plastic components 18 as part of a post-treatment.

[0120] For this purpose, a plastic component 18 can be tempered to the crystallization temperature or melting temperature of the crystalline regions or a temperature above the crystallization temperature or melting temperature of the crystalline regions and, in the tempered state, can be irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose by means of ionizing radiation 5 in order to increase the degree of crosslinking of the plastic and / or the chemical resistance.

[0121] A corresponding treatment process is shown in Fig. 5. Using this treatment process, plastic components 18 manufactured and / or packaged at another location can also be radiation-crosslinked and thus subsequently adapted to the respective requirements. Reference is made to all statements regarding the proposed manufacturing process for a plastic component 18 and the proposed plastic component 18.

[0122] With reference to Figs. 7A, 7B and 8, an alternative method or additional method steps of the method for producing a plastic component 2, a plastic laboratory article 3, and / or a plastic component 18 and / or for treating a plastic component 2, a plastic laboratory article 3 and / or a plastic component 18 are described. Reference may be made to all statements regarding the above-mentioned methods in this regard. In the following, the method or the method steps are described solely with reference to a plastic component 2 or molded part, whereby all statements also apply analogously to plastic laboratory articles 3 and plastic components 18.

[0123] Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B show a thermal box 19 with a receiving element 20 and a lid 21. The thermal box 19 is designed to accommodate objects, in particular plastic components 2 or molded parts 4.

[0124] The thermobox 19 preferably has low thermal conductivity and / or good thermal insulation properties for heat storage.

[0125] The thermobox 19 is particularly permeable to ionizing radiation 5.

[0126] At least one molded part 4 can be arranged or placed in the thermal box 19. The molded part 4 can be pre-heated to a defined temperature, in particular at or above the crystallization temperature and / or the melting temperature of the crystalline regions. The thermal box 19 can also be pre-heated to a defined temperature in order to avoid or minimize temperature differences and thus create optimal heat-holding conditions for the molded part 4. In particular, the molded part 4 can be pre-heated together with the thermal box 19.

[0127] However, it is also possible that the molded part 4 is at approximately room temperature and / or is not pre-tempered.

[0128] A heating element 22 for heat dissipation can be arranged or placed in the thermal box 19. The heating element 22 is preferably designed to heat the molded part 4 to a temperature in the range of or above the crystallization temperature and / or the melting temperature of the crystalline regions and / or to maintain it at a corresponding temperature.

[0129] The thermal box 19, in particular the receiving element 20, can have a recess complementary to the heating element 22 in order to fix and / or hold the heating element 22 in a precise position within the thermal box. Alternatively or additionally, the thermal box 19, in particular the lid 21, can have a retaining element for holding and / or fixing the heating element 22. In this way, slipping of the heating element 22 can be prevented, thereby ensuring uniform heating and / or keeping of the molded part 4.

[0130] The heating element 22 preferably has a high specific heat capacity and / or consists of a material with a high specific heat capacity, for example metal or a ceramic.

[0131] The thermobox 19 can be closed with the lid 21 after the heating element 22 and the molded part 4 have been placed.

[0132] The thermal box 19, together with the molded part 4 located or arranged therein, can then be irradiated using ionizing radiation 5, as shown in Fig. 8. For this purpose, the thermal box 19 can be placed, for example, on a conveyor belt 15 of a conveyor device 14. The conveyor belt 15 can transport the thermal box 19 into the irradiation chamber 9 of the irradiation device 7. After irradiation using ionizing radiation 5, the thermal box 19 can be transported out of the irradiation chamber 9 by the conveyor belt 15. The conveyor belt 15 can be moved or transported continuously or intermittently.

[0133] The heating element 22 and the thermal box 19 can ensure that the molded part 4 has a temperature in the range of or above the crystallization temperature and / or the melting temperature of the crystalline regions during irradiation by means of ionizing radiation 5 in order to ensure optimal radiation crosslinking.

[0134] List of reference symbols:

[0135] Laboratory device 12 plasticizing unit

[0136] Plastic component 13 tool

[0137] Plastic laboratory article 14 Conveyor device

[0138] Molded part 15 conveyor belt

[0139] Radiation 16 Packaging

[0140] Starting material 17 Heating device

[0141] Irradiation device 18 plastic component

[0142] Shielding 19 Thermobox

[0143] Irradiation room 20 receiving element

[0144] Filling funnel 21 lid

[0145] Injection molding machine 22 heating element

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Plastic component for a laboratory device (1), in particular a laboratory dosing device, which is designed as a molded part (4) in particular by forming and / or primary forming, characterized in that the molded part (4) is irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose by means of ionizing radiation (5) in order to increase the degree of crosslinking of the plastic and / or the chemical resistance, and / or that a starting material (6) provided for the formation of the molded part (4), for example in the form of plastic granulate, is irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose by means of ionizing radiation (5) in order to increase the degree of crosslinking and / or the chemical resistance.

2. Plastic laboratory article, in particular for receiving, storing, measuring the volume, dispensing and / or weighing a liquid, which is designed as a molded part (4) in particular by forming and / or primary forming, characterized in that the molded part (4) is irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose by means of ionizing radiation (5) to increase the degree of crosslinking of the plastic and / or the chemical resistance, and / or that a starting material (6) intended for the formation of the molded part (4), for example in the form of plastic granulate, is irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose by means of ionizing radiation (5) to increase the degree of crosslinking and / or the chemical resistance.

3. Plastic component or plastic laboratory article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the ionizing radiation (5) is in the form of beta radiation and / or gamma radiation.

4. Plastic component or plastic laboratory article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radiation or energy dose of the irradiation is from 8 kGy to 250 kGy, preferably from 10 kGy to 225 kGy, more preferably from 15 kGy to 200 kGy, particularly preferably 50 kGy to 200 kGy.

5. Plastic component or plastic laboratory article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic component (2) or the plastic laboratory article (3) has regions with different degrees of crosslinking and / or different chemical resistance.

6. Plastic component or plastic laboratory article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic comprises at least one crosslinking aid which can be activated by ionizing radiation.

7. Plastic component or plastic laboratory article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic component (2) or the plastic laboratory article (3) has a degree of crosslinking of at least 20%, preferably of at least 30%, more preferably of at least 40%, more preferably of at least 60%, more preferably of at least 80%, more preferably of 100%, and / or of less than 90%, preferably of less than 80%, more preferably between 50% and 70%.

8. Plastic component or plastic laboratory article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the molded part (4) has a temperature above or equal to the crystallization temperature and / or the melting temperature of the crystalline regions during irradiation.

9. Plastic component or plastic laboratory article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the molded part (4) is made of polyolefin, polyester, polyether, polyamide, polypropylene, polybutylene terephthalate, Polyetherester, polyurethane, silicone, rubber, silicone rubber, polyvinyl chloride, polymethylpentene, PEEK and / or PEK.

10. Laboratory device with a plastic component (2) and / or a plastic laboratory article (3) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A method for producing a plastic component (2) for a laboratory device (1), in particular a laboratory dosing device, and / or a plastic laboratory article (3), in particular for receiving, storing, measuring the volume, dispensing and / or weighing a liquid, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a molded part (4) is formed in particular by forming and / or primary forming, characterized in that the molded part (4) is subsequently irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose by means of ionizing radiation (5) to increase the degree of crosslinking and / or the chemical resistance, and / or that a starting material (6) provided for the formation of the molded part (4), for example in the form of plastic granulate, is irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose by means of ionizing radiation to increase the degree of crosslinking and / or the chemical resistance.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the formed molded part (4) is packaged and subsequently irradiated by means of the ionizing radiation (5).

13. Method for treating a plastic component (2) for a laboratory device (1), in particular a laboratory dosing device, and / or a plastic laboratory article (3), in particular for receiving, storing, measuring volume, dispensing and / or weighing a liquid, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that that the plastic component (2) and / or the plastic laboratory article (3) is irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose by means of ionizing radiation (5) in order to increase the degree of crosslinking and / or the chemical resistance.

14. Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the plastic component (2) and / or the plastic laboratory article (3) is irradiated by means of beta radiation and / or gamma radiation.

15. Use of a plastic component (2) for a laboratory device (1), in particular a laboratory dosing device, preferably according to one of claims 1 and / or 3 to 9, characterized in that the plastic component (2) is irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose, in particular from beta radiation and / or gamma radiation, by means of ionizing radiation (5) in order to increase the degree of crosslinking and / or the chemical resistance, and / or that a starting material (6) provided for the formation of the plastic component (2), for example in the form of plastic granulate, is irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose by means of ionizing radiation (5) in order to increase the degree of crosslinking and / or the chemical resistance.

16. Use of a plastic laboratory article (3), in particular for receiving, storing, measuring volume, dispensing and / or weighing a liquid, preferably according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the plastic laboratory article (3) is irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose, in particular from beta radiation and / or gamma radiation, in order to increase the degree of crosslinking and / or the chemical resistance, by means of ionizing radiation (5), and / or that a starting material (6) intended for the formation of the plastic laboratory article (3), for example in the form of plastic granulate, is irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose by means of ionizing radiation (5) in order to increase the degree of crosslinking and / or the chemical resistance.

17. Plastic component which is formed as a molded part by forming and / or primary forming, characterized in that the formed molded part (4) is irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose by means of ionizing radiation (5) in order to increase the degree of crosslinking of the plastic and / or the chemical resistance, wherein the molded part (4) has the crystallization temperature and / or the melting temperature of the crystalline regions or a temperature above the crystallization temperature and / or the melting temperature of the crystalline regions during the irradiation.

18. A method for producing a plastic component (18), in particular according to claim 17, wherein a molded part (4) is formed in particular by forming and / or primary forming, characterized in that the formed molded part (4) is subsequently tempered to the crystallization temperature and / or the melting temperature of the crystalline regions or a temperature above the crystallization temperature and / or the melting temperature of the crystalline regions and that the molded part (4) is irradiated in the tempered state by means of ionizing radiation (5) with a predetermined radiation dose in order to increase the degree of crosslinking of the plastic and / or the chemical resistance.

19. A method for treating a plastic component (18), in particular according to claim 18, characterized in that the plastic component (18) is tempered to the crystallization temperature and / or the melting temperature of the crystalline regions or a temperature above the crystallization temperature and / or the melting temperature of the crystalline regions and that the plastic component (18) in the tempered state to increase the degree of crosslinking of the plastic and / or the chemical resistance, it is irradiated with a predetermined radiation dose by means of ionizing radiation (5).

20. The method according to claim 11, 13, 18 or 19, characterized in that the plastic component (2), the plastic laboratory article (3), the molded part (4) or the plastic component (18) is arranged within a thermal box (19) permeable to the ionizing radiation (5), wherein a heating element (22) for heat dissipation is arranged within the thermal box (19), and wherein the thermal box (19) is subsequently irradiated by means of the ionizing radiation (5).

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