Covestro Develops High Heat Resistant Copolycarbonate for Medical Industry

Overmolding polycarbonate with liquid silicone rubber (LSR) is commonly used to produce respiratory masks and other medical devices requiring molded-in seals. Now, Covestro has developed Apec® 2045 – a copolycarbonate with the highest heat resistance. It enables molders and medical OEMs to significantly slash production time and cost. This does not sacrifice quality, performance or appearance.

Supports Close- and Open-loop Recycling:

"We work closely with our healthcare customers and recognized that we could offer a polycarbonate made for highest curing temperatures in silicone over-molding, helping them more than double production volumes in the same amount of time due to shorter cycle times," said Pierre Moulinie, Global Healthcare Technology lead, Covestro LLC.

Apec® 2045 copolycarbonate also offers other important benefits for this market. These include:

Durability: Tough engineering plastic with the highest heat resistance in the medical polycarbonate portfolio

Transparency: Produces transparent parts with high optical clarity

Biocompatible: Biocompatibility testing according to ISO 10993-1 and USP Class VI for contact of 30 days or less

Sterilizable: Supports sterilization methods most prevalent in the healthcare industry, including irradiation, autoclave and hot air

Processability: Consistent and efficient processing

Using this new material may help customers meet sustainability goals. It enables circular business models by supporting close- and open-loop recycling. It also allows for the possibility of attributed bio-circular content.

Attendees at MD&M West, February 6-8 in Anaheim, California, can visit the Covestro booth (#2221). There they can learn how Covestro's materials push boundaries in healthcare applications.

Polycarbonates from Covestro are found in some of modern technology’s most essential medical devices. They play a major role in developing next-generation, life-saving technology. These exemplify the innovation, safety and biocompatibility known and trusted worldwide. This is because they are used where strength, clarity and toughness are necessary.

"Our experts provide support every step of the way," he continued, “helping our customers calculate possible savings when switching to this new high-heat Apec® copolycarbonate grade – for example, simulating material performance in specific applications and calculating cost benefits with our LSR calculator tool.”

Souce:Covestro/omnexus.specialchem