Acrylic-Based Compounds for Medical Devices

Two acrylic-based copolymer compounds that reportedly offer a superior balance of properties for medical devices have been developed by Roehm. Showcased at the 2023 MD&M West trade show, they are the latest additions to the company’s Cyrolite portfolio of advanced medical actylics:

 ▪  Cyrolite G20CP is a PMMA-based copolymer that is said to  ensure integrity of photosensitive substances such as oncology drugs, antibiotic, and antifungal agents that require superior UV-light protection. It is designed for UV-light transmission applications like dialysis cassettes, lenses, test packs, filter housings, microfluidics, tube connectors, IV catheter hubs, and Y sites. Moreover, it boasts five times the impact resistance of unmodified acrylics. Excellent dimensional stability and processability, improved tensile elongations, as well as bonding to PVC tubing are claimed. It can be thermally bonded, ultrasonic, and laser welded, and is reportedly resistant to EtO, gamma and E-beam sterilization.

 ▪  Cyrolite MD zk6 is an amorphous, impact modified compound based on PMMA that boasts high-impact resistance and ductility/toughness making it ideal for applications like dialysis cassettes, test packs, filter housings, microfluidics, lenses, tube connectors, IV catheter hubs, and Y sites. High light transmission with little haze is claimed.  MD zk6 polymer can be processed in injection molding machines and extrusion lines with three-zone general purpose screws.

Available in 1500-lb gaylord boxes, with other packaging available on request, both materials meet U.S. Pharmacopeia Class VI; ISO 10993-1 and FDA for food contact for all use conditions up to and including hot-filled or pasteurized above 150°F (e.g., Condition 21 CFR 176.170) for all food types except those containing more than 8% alcohol.