Gamma Radiation is commonly used to sterilize polymer devices. But some polymers do not hold up well to this form of sterilization.
The following plastics cannot be sterilized by radiation:
* Polyacetals (turns to dust)
* Polyacetals(turns to dust)
* Polypropylene (unstabilized)
* Teflon (turns to wax)
* PVDF
Polypropylene Syndrome
* Natural unstabilized PP undergoes a slow degradation process after irradiation where over two years the elongation may drop from 600% to zero and parts will shatter
* PP is both crosslinked and scissioned
* Embrittlement and discoloration can occur
* Radiation stable PP is available
Polyethylene
* Polyethylene is predominantly crosslinked but acceptable to irradiation
* LDPE < LLDPE < HDPE < UHMWHDPE
* PE can be stabilized to make it gamma stable
If you are unsure if your material will hold up to this sterilization technique, please visit the TriStar Plastics Corp. website for contact information.
Frank Hild