From Analysis, Synthesis, and Design of Chemical Processes Turton, Bailie, Whiting, Shaeiwitz Non-metals MaterialAdvantagesDisadvantage Glass Useful in laboratory and batch system, low diffusion at walls Fragile, not resistant to high alkali, poor heat transfer, poor abrasion resistance Plastics Good at low temperature, large variety to select from with various characteristics, easy to fabricate, seldom discolours, minor catalytic effects possible Poor at high temperature, low strength, not resistant to high alkali conditions, low heat transfer, low cost Ceramics Withstands high temperatures, variety of formulations available, modest cost Poor abrasion properties, high diffusion at walls (in particular hydrogen), low heat transfer, may encourage catalytic reactions