Description
Plastics that stand up to repeated steam sterilization
Many plastic materials including polysulfone, Ultem®, PPSU, and PEEK can be used for medical devices where repeated steam sterilization is required. Medical applications for plastics include surgical instrument handles, sterilization trays, fluid handling couplings, and luer fittings.
The number of autoclave cycles that a plastic component will be able to withstand before deteriorating depends on the material, the autoclave settings, the part geometry, and the level of stress in the part.
Autoclavable
ECTFE
Fluoropolymer with outstanding mechanical properties and dimensional stability.
ETFE
Plastic material with excellent mechanical strength, stiffness, and abrasion resistance.
FEP
Flexible fluoropolymer with outstanding chemical resistance and electrical properties.
PCTFE
Fluoropolymer with outstanding dimensional stability, mechanical properties, and temperature range.
PEEK
Strong, stiff plastic with outstanding chemical resistance; performs over a wide range of temperatures.
PFA
Flexible fluoropolymer that performs well in extreme temperature and harsh chemical environments.
PPS
Plastic material with excellent chemical and corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures.
PPSU
High temperature thermoplastic material with outstanding impact resistance that is autoclavable.
Ultem®
High strength plastic with outstanding electrical and high service temperature properties.
PSU
High temperature, semi-transparent plastic material with good mechanical properties.