Eastman to demonstrate latest medical device polymer at MD&M West

Specialty plastics provider Eastman is demonstrating its latest advancement in biocompatible medical-grade polymers for medical device housings and hardware at the Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) West trade show.

The company’s latest Eastman MXF221 copolyester is a disinfectant-ready polymer and offers chemical compatibility with stringent disinfectants used to combat healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) as well as improved durability and impact strength.

Eastman’s 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 stickiness, discoloration, crazing, cracking and hazing.

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.

Ellen Turner, Eastman global market development manager, medical devices, said: “Today's healthcare environment has a critical need for better plastics—and better plastics testing, selection and design. 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."