What Are The Characteristics And Applications Of Polycarbonate
Apr 17, 2025| Definition and Industry Standards
Polycarbonate (PC) is a high-performance thermoplastic, and its medical-grade products must meet strict biocompatibility, sterilization resistance and physical stability requirements. Medical-grade PC must pass a number of international certifications, such as the US FDA, ISO 10993 (biocompatibility), YY/T 0806-2010 (standard for medical polycarbonate special materials), etc., to ensure its safety when in direct contact with the human body or body fluids167.
Core characteristics
High transparency and optical properties
The light transmittance of PC can reach more than 90%, close to that of glass, and is suitable for medical devices that require visual monitoring (such as hemodialysis machines, infusion components) to ensure precise operation.
Excellent mechanical properties
Impact resistance: It maintains high toughness even at low temperatures (such as -40°C) to prevent equipment from being damaged by falling or impact.
Strength and rigidity: The flexural modulus reaches 2.3-2.5 GPa, which is suitable for manufacturing precision surgical instrument housings.
Chemical resistance and sterilization
Resistant to multiple sterilization methods such as gamma rays, ethylene oxide, and high-temperature steam (some grades can reach 143°C), with no significant performance degradation.
Excellent corrosion resistance to chemicals such as alcohol and disinfectants, extending the service life of the device.
Biocompatibility
More than ten tests such as hemolysis, cytotoxicity, and skin irritation are passed to ensure safe contact with human tissue.
Lightweight and processing flexibility
With a density of only 1.2 g/cm³, complex structures can be formed through processes such as injection molding and extrusion to meet the needs of minimally invasive devices and wearable devices.
Main application areas
Life support equipment
Hemodialyzer: The end cap and shell are made of PC (such as Wanhua CLARNATE® MR156), which is resistant to gamma ray sterilization and has high transparency, making it easy to observe blood flow.
Oxygenator and anesthesia equipment: Resistant to high-temperature steam sterilization to ensure long-term stability.
Surgical instruments and diagnostic equipment
Endoscope components: The transparent PC shell supports optical imaging, and the impact resistance avoids the risk of damage during surgery.
Minimally invasive surgical tools: lightweight design reduces operator fatigue, chemical resistance is suitable for high-frequency disinfection environment.
Drug delivery system
Prefilled syringes: PC is resistant to drug solvent erosion, and transparency facilitates dosage inspection.
Infusion connectors: resistant to ethylene oxide sterilization, biosafety complies with ISO 10993 standards.
Protection and disposable consumables
Masks and protective covers: high transparency and impact resistance take into account both protection and user experience 511.
Laboratory equipment: such as culture dishes and centrifuge tubes, resistant to gamma ray sterilization and free of leachable contamination
About us
Luoyang Dema Import & Export Co., Ltd. aims to provide high-quality, cost-effective products for global factories, plastic product manufacturers, and material distributors. Luoyang Dema Import & Export Co., Ltd. provides the best PP, PE, PVC, AVE, and ABS material solutions for plastic product manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, distributors, factory owners, processing workshops, etc.
If you are looking for general plastic materials, please feel free to get the latest prices and quotations from Luoyang Dema Import & Export Co., Ltd. The sales team will reply within 48 hours.