PC Copolymers for Chemically-Resistant, Thin-Wall Medical Devices

Two new PC copolymer resins for medical devices are said to offer a distinct combination of robust chemical and impact resistance, thin-wall transparency, dimensional stability and processability.  Recently introduced by SABIC, they are offered as LNP Elcres CRX1314TW copolymer and its biobased equivalent, LNP Elcrin CRX1314BTW copolymer, which reportedly offers up to a 42% reduction in carbon footprint based on life cycle assessment (LCA).

In device applications such as clear covers, screens and display lenses, the CRX PC copolymer resins are said to overcome key drawbacks of incumbent PC resins and co-polyester resins when exposed to disinfectants or aggressive chemicals. Both grades feature limited biocompatibility according to ISO 10993¹ and coverage under SABIC’s healthcare product policy, which provides stringent management of change processes. Since SABIC’s first LNP Elecres CRX PC copolymer resins (which are opaque and custom colorable) were introduced at MD&M West 2020, the continued market need for chemically-resistant materials has driven the development of these innovative thin-wall transparent materials.

Like all LNP CRX materials, the new grades feature exceptional resistance to harsh disinfecting chemicals, such as quaternary ammonium compounds, alcohols and peroxides, which can lead to the environmental stress cracking (ESC) of medical device displays and covers. Furthermore, these materials offer transparency equivalent to that of PC resins at thin-wall geometries of 0.8 mm to 1.0 mm, and offer translucency at higher thicknesses. They also deliver high impact resistance across a wide temperature range (down to -40°C), excellent dimensional stability and good processability. Both grades meet the UL94 HB standard for horizontal burning.  Moreover, to meet the healthcare industry’s growing need for high-precision, vibration-free assembly technology, these new copolymer resins provide near-infrared (IR) transmission optical properties that are required for laser welding and are said to enable leakproof, low-stress welds without the need for adhesives.