This extensively updated databook from Plastics Design Library contains important characteristics and properties data on the effects of sterilization methods on plastics and elastomers. Serving as a ready reference for comparing materials in the same family as well as materials from different families, it provides the comprehensive detail necessary to make first evaluations and final decisions in applications pursuits.

Data are presented on 44 major plastic and elastomer resins, including biodegradable or organic polymers. New to this edition are textual introductions in the resin chapters — these include a general description, material category, applications, resistance to particular sterilization methods, and regulatory status considerations for use in medical devices and medical or food packaging. Extensive references are provided. The resin product data are presented by supplier trade name in graphical and tabular format, with results normalized to SI units, retaining the familiar format of the first edition and allowing easy comparison between materials and test conditions. Appendix II (Chemical Resistance Tables) presents an extensive compendium of data, including a weighted overall resistance value for each polymer/reagent interaction. An invaluable resource and reference work.

From the Preface: “...The primary focus of sterilization is killing microorganisms, but the impact of sterilization methods extends beyond the cleaning of medical devices. For instance, irradiation, a widely used sterilization method, is also useful in modifying the physical properties of polymer materials to improve performance...The basic physical characteristics of polymers are generally well-defined by manufacturers. The effects of sterilization methods, however, are not well compiled, nor are raw data easily accessed. This volume serves to turn vast amounts of disparate information from wide-ranging sources (i.e., conference proceedings, materials suppliers, test laboratories, monographs, patents, and trade and technical journals) into useful engineering knowledge...”

Target Audience: Design engineers, research and development personnel, and materials engineers in the medical device, medical packaging, and food packaging industries.

Table of Contents:

Introduction to Sterilization Methods

Acetal Resins

ABS (Acrylonitrile—Butadiene—Styrene)

Acrylic Resins

Fluoroplastic

Polyphenylene

Nylon

Polycarbonate

Polyester

Polyketone

Polyolefin

Polypropylene

Polyphenylene Sulfide

Polystyrene

Polysulfone

Polyurethane

Styrene Acrylonitrile

Styrene Butadiene Copolymer

Vinyl Resin

Thermoplastic Alloy

Thermoplastic Elastomer

Silicone Rubber

Additional Materials

Appendix I: Chemical Resistance to Cleaning Solutions

Appendix II: Chemical Resistance

Notes

Glossary

References