Global specialty plastics provider Eastman demonstrated the dominant performance of next-generation material Eastman MXF221 copolyester as a disinfectant-ready polymer for safer healthcare environments at the Chinaplas Show in Shanghai, Apr 24-27. The latest advancement in biocompatible medical-grade polymers for medical device housings and hardware, Eastman MXF221 offers good chemical compatibility with stringent disinfectants used to combat healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) as well as improved durability and impact strength.
"Today's healthcare environment has a critical need for better plastics—and better plastics testing, selection and design," said Tammy Trivette, Eastman Marketing Director, Medical Platform, Specialty Plastics, "As the market and regulatory landscape is ever-evolving, device manufacturers have to consider material capabilities at every stage of product development. Eastman surrounds brand owners with service throughout their product development process, providing invaluable assistance to brand owners as they develop equipment that meets requirements for clinical settings."
Eastman plastics are used to make key components in non-implantable medical devices, including syringes, minimally invasive surgical instruments, blood contact systems, rigid and flexible tubing, IV components, and renal devices. Eastman MXF221 is a fully compounded polymer uniquely suited for electronic medical device housings and hardware due to its inherent ability to withstand discoloration, crazing, cracking and hazing.
As the company states, Eastman MXF221 performs better than other materials used in medical devices and equipment as evidenced in the findings of Dr. Yubiao Liu, applications development associate for Eastman, who developed the simple, replicable four-step test to evaluate long-term resistance of plastics to hospital disinfectants. Eastman MXF221 offers unsurpassed chemical resistance to today's disinfectants used in new cleaning protocols needed to prevent HAIs. Eastman MXF221 retains more than 90 percent of its original impact strength after exposure to most of stringent disinfectants—far superior to competing materials such as polycarbonate blends.
"There has been increased strictness for disinfection protocol in China, stronger disinfection protocol is a mega trend. Proactively selecting the right polymer for medical devices and housings can prolong the life of devices, improve reliability and save hospitals money in the long run," Liang Wang, Market Development Manager, Medical Market, Asia Pacific, said. "As a multi-material solution provider, Eastman is committed to helping our customers choose the right plastic to meet their product requirements."
In addition to Eastman MXF221 for device housings, Eastman's family of brands includes Tritan™ copolyesters for devices, Eastar copolyester 6763 and for rigid medical packaging, Ecdel elastomers for pharmaceutical packaging and Eastman 168™ non-phthalate plasticizer.
About the company
Eastman is a global advanced materials and specialty additives company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability.
