MATERIALS | MEDICAL
radiation, electron beam, X-ray and ultraviolet-C. Under exposure to repeated sterilisation cycles, they retain their high strength, dimensional stability and aesthetics. “Increasingly stringent environmental regula-
Above: Sabic’s Ultem HU resins are compatible with many alternatives to ethylene oxide sterilisation
For instance, its Mevopur range of colorants and additives can be applied to many medical applica- tions. These include colorant solutions, functional additives – for applications such as packaging – and concentrates.
On the polymer front, its newly expanded
Versaflex HC TPEs is a family of customisable materials with a broad range of performance characteristics – such as grades formulated without animal derivatives – making them useful for injection moulding and over-moulding applica- tions. The portfolio includes a bio-based healthcare grade for the first time. Versaflex HC Bio BT218 was developed to handle the complexities of biophar- maceutical tubing and deliver good weldability and kink resistance – plus low levels of extractables. It offers the same performance as its prime coun- terpart but with a lower carbon footprint. Trilliant HC grades have high chemical resistance for applications in biopharmaceutical processing, hospital settings, and home healthcare applications. They have improved resistance to harsh chemicals and hospital-grade disinfectants compared to other flame-resistant (FR) polymers such as PC/ABS, PC/ PET, and copolyester. Glass-filled polyketone (PK) formulations provide comparable performance to nylon equivalents, says the company.
EtO alternative Sabic showcased its Ultem HU resins – which can help medical device manufacturers use alternatives to ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilisation – at the same event.
Demand is growing for materials that are
compatible with other sterilisation methods, as a likely ruling by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may reduce EtO emissions from commercial facilities. Ultem HU resins are compatible with other methods, including vapourised hydrogen peroxide (VHP) gas plasma, steam autoclave, gamma
30 INJECTION WORLD | May/June 2024
tions are challenging the medical device industry to find materials that support compliance,” said Maureen MacDonald-Stein, director of portfolio strategy and marketing in Sabic’s specialities division. “These thermoplastics help device makers transition to other sterilisation methods without impacting key material properties.” Sabic offers Ultem HU1000 – an unfilled poly- etherimide (PEI) with good mechanical and thermal properties – or HU1004, which offers good ductility and hydrostability. The materials can replace metal in medical device components. At the same event, the company expanded its
LNP Lubriloy portfolio of internally lubricated speciality compounds. The new products meet customer demands for high-performance alterna- tives to materials lubricated with PTFE – a per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS). “In the face of proposed regulations restricting or banning PFAS, customers are seeking self-lubri- cated solutions that don’t incorporate these chemicals,” said Ralph Buoniconti, senior specialist in Sabic’s regulatory division. Internally lubricated thermoplastics offer advantages over those with externally applied greases or oils, which add processing time and costs and can contaminate other surfaces. As an internal lubricant, PTFE is known for imparting very low friction and enhancing wear resistance. How- ever, global concerns about PFAS have prompted customers in a wide range of industries to consider more-sustainable lubricants to replace PTFE.
Infusion therapy
Swedish medical technology company Cyto 365 has used Tritan – a copolyester from Eastman – to create a medical component for infusion therapy that lowers patient risk. RondelO is a new turn valve for safer multi-drug administration and uses a component made from Tritan that prevents drug mixing. It has multiple inlets and prevents unintentional mixing. It can connect six drugs, which are given one at a time with flushing fluids in between. Cyto 365 knew it would need a durable, safe
material that supported accurate moulding and was transparent. After meeting Eastman at a trade fair, the company asked for its help – which helped to create an accurate mould without cracks. “We want to support medical professionals
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IMAGE: SABIC
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