i need ways to sterilize plastics like the grocery bags etc.
Sterilization by heat is tricky, given the low melting point of this plastic. LDPE is very resistant to chemicals and solvents so chemical sterilisation techniques are easily used. Soaking in bleach should do the trick. Alcohol would work nicely too.
Sterilize to what degree and for what purpose? Often plastics are gamma irradiated to sterilize them, this is used for plastics in medical fields. Obviously this is not something you could do in your kitchen. Probably one way to do it is to boil in water for 20min and/or use an iodine or chlorine solution etc (general sterilizing solution found in the house). However, I wouldn't boil a chlorine (bleach solution). Or you may be able to get an autoclave. If you can't then you could always try a pressure cooker. Boil the water first to remove the dissolved gases then add your plastic and boil for 10min. It all depends on the degree of sterilization that you require. Google autoclave to get more info on temps and times for boiling water for sterilization Edit LLDPE should survive below about 120°C. Definitely wouldn't go above 130°C. The grade used in grocery bags is very stiff so they should hold together pretty well.
