## Common ground
All options are reagent bottles, used to store chemicals in laboratories or industrial settings.
## Options at a glance
**3926.90 – Plastic**
- **Defining trait:** Made from plastic, typically lightweight and resistant to breakage.
- **Typical examples:** HDPE, PP, or PET bottles for acids or solvents.
- **Best fit when:** Durability, low weight, or resistance to impact is needed.
**6903 – Refractory ceramic**
- **Defining trait:** Made from heat-resistant ceramic, used in high-temperature environments.
- **Typical examples:** Crucibles or containers for molten materials in metallurgy.
- **Best fit when:** The bottle must withstand extreme heat or chemical corrosion at high temps.
**6909.1X – Ceramic**
- **Defining trait:** Made from standard ceramic, non-refractory; more brittle than refractory types.
- **Typical examples:** Labware for low-heat storage or specialized chemical handling.
- **Best fit when:** Chemical inertness is key, but heat resistance is not required.
**7017 – Glass**
- **Defining trait:** Made from glass, offering high chemical resistance and clarity.
- **Typical examples:** Borosilicate glass bottles for precise reagent storage.
- **Best fit when:** Transparency, purity, or long-term stability of chemicals is essential.
## Key differences
| Feature | Plastic | Refractory Ceramic | Ceramic | Glass |
|---------------------|---------------|--------------------|-------------|---------------|
| Heat resistance | Low | Very high | Medium | High (borosilicate) |
| Breakage risk | Low | Medium | High | High |
| Chemical inertness | Moderate | Very high | High | Very high |
| Transparency | Low to medium | None | None | High |
## How to choose
- Is the bottle used for storing chemicals at high temperatures? → 6903
- Does it need to be transparent and chemically pure? → 7017
- Is impact resistance more important than clarity or purity? → 3926.90
- Is it non-transparent, non-refractory ceramic with moderate heat tolerance? → 6909.1X
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- A borosilicate glass bottle (7017) may also be used at high temperatures, overlapping with refractory ceramic (6903), but only if it's not intended for molten materials.
- Ceramic (6909.1X) and refractory ceramic (6903) can be confused; the key is heat resistance level.
- Plastic may mimic glass in some uses, but lacks chemical stability with strong bases or solvents.
- If unsure, prioritize the **main function**: storage of sensitive reagents → glass; rugged use → plastic; high-temp use → refractory ceramic