Medical grade Eastman polymers are making a lasting impression on key areas of medical innovation. The impact comes not only from unique chemical properties but also from the “total-solutions” approach that Eastman brings to the table. Four Eastman plastics—all made without bisphenol A (BPA) or halogens—lead the way to improving the reliability and durability of nonimplantable medical devices and electronic equipment housings. In addition, Eastman offers a flame-retardant polymer with excellent chemical resistance, visit
Medical Equipment to learn more.
Eastman Tritan™ copolyestersThe growing family of medical grade Tritan copolyesters raises the bar in many medical devices and housings. Eastman continues to work with manufacturers, designers, and suppliers of related solutions (see right-hand column)—helping a wide range of industry needs that have previously been unmet.
Clear formulations of Tritan: - Offer greater toughness, heat resistance, processability, and design freedom compared with other copolyesters
- Retain clarity, color stability, and functional integrity after sterilization
- Provide outstanding chemical resistance to lipids, IPA, disinfecting agents, and bonding solvents and adhesives
Opaque formulations of Tritan: - Provide excellent functionality and reliability to device housings
- Ensure compatibility with the new reality of aggressive disinfection and the daily impact stresses that come with greater portability
- Retain color and functionality following sterilization with gamma and e-beam irradiation
- Offer reliable color matching—drawing on the expertise of the Eastman Color Technology Center (qualifying orders)
- Provide flame-retardant properties (Tritan MXF121 copolyester)
- Fire retardant—UL 94 V-2 rating @ 1.5 mm
- Excellent resistance to chemicals and lipids
- Meets hospital Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) guidelines—made without halogens or
ortho-phthalate plasticizers
- Clear and opaque formulations—color matching available
- Excellent durability—high impact strength and toughness
- Fast cycle times
Eastar™ copolyestersEastar 6763, MN005, MN006, MN210, and MN211 copolyesters meet ISO 10993 and/or USP Class VI biocompatibility requirements. Eastar formulations also deliver: - Brilliant clarity
- Excellent color and property retention following gamma and e-beam sterilization
- Chemical resistance to most medical solvents, including lipids and IPA
- Very good impact strength and toughness
- Good processing characteristics
Individual Eastar copolyester grades offer special advantages, including: - MN004 and MN006 can also provide even greater advantages in dimensional stability and low shrinkage rates.
- Eastar MN005 offers high flowability for thin-walled, intricate parts.
- MN004 and MN006 are GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified®.
DuraStar™ polymersDuraStar MN611, MN621, and MN631 polymers meet ISO 10993 and/or USP Class VI biocompatibility requirements. DuraStar formulations deliver: - Superior clarity and toughness
- Chemical resistance to most medical solvents, including lipids and IPA
- Excellent processing characteristics for injection molding
- Outstanding color stability following gamma and e-beam sterilization
Tenite™ cellulosicsTenite 360E0096914 and 360E4861312 are known for an excellent balance of toughness, hardness, strength, surface gloss, clarity, and a warm feel. Select formulations of the Tenite propionate family meet ISO 10993 and/or USP Class VI biocompatibility requirements and also offer: - Outstanding resistance to lipids and chemicals; are excellent for solvent bonding and other secondary processing
- The best combination of high-flow processing while retaining chemical resistance. It is ideal for devices with thin walls or long flow lengths that require toughness and chemical resistance, such as:
- Cannulas
- IV components
- Connectors
- Drug delivery devices
- High-performance cellulosics manufactured from 100% renewable softwood trees that are harvested using sustainable forestry management practices (40% - 50% renewable content by volume).
High-flow and mold-release formulations are available to meet special processing needs. Selecting the right material—and the right material provider—early in the process can be critical to the efficiency and long-term success of any go-to-market strategy. |