New Polycarbonate Film for Medical Technology

It maintains color stability under gamma radiation and electron beam irradiation, and has unique potential for application to transparent objects.

In the field of medical technology, the use of gamma radiation and electron beams to sterilize equipment, disposable articles and instruments is becoming increasingly popular, mainly due to the fact that this process is more efficient than other methods. In addition, just as with ethylene oxide for gas processing, parts do not need to be heated and there are no residues. At the same time, parts can also be sterilized in their packaging. However, most plastics used in the field of medical technology have some drawbacks: that is, the plastic will turn yellow when subjected to high energy radiation. Bayer MaterialScience has now developed a polycarbonate film, Makrofol LP 209, which can withstand such radiation with a special additive system. Hans Braun, a film specialist at Bayer MaterialScience, explained: "Our transparent film has unmatched color stability."

Braun envisioned some possible applications, such as titration trays, instrument boxes, and implant packaging. He continued: “Using this material also produces a blood heat exchanger cover, whose high transparency means that blood flow can be quickly visualized with the naked eye at any time. In addition, the film possesses the unique mechanical properties of polycarbonate, such as high impact strength and Hardness, performance is very good. Such mechanical properties make the heat exchanger and other products made from this material extremely stable.”

The new film is extruded from a special polycarbonate matrix clone and meets the requirements of ISO 10993-1, an international standard related to the biocompatibility of plastics. It can be used for up to 30 days in contact with body fluids and tissues. At the same time, the polycarbonate also meets the criteria for biocompatibility of the sixth grade of the United States Pharmacopoeia.
Makrofol LP 209 is currently available in various standard thicknesses from 175 to 500 microns. The top and bottom of the film are shiny. Other thicknesses and surface structures can also be manufactured on request.

Source: Design News China