Xantar MX 2042FD. A biocompatible polycarbonate molding resin

Xantar MX 2042 FD is a special grade that is tailor made to meet the demanding needs of medical applications.

General material characterization
Xantar MX 2042 FD is a transparent polycarbonate of medium melt viscosity. This grade is characterised by:

•  Extreme high hydrolysis stability
•  Improved lipid resistance
•  Withstands Ethylene oxide sterilisation
•  Withstands gamma sterilisation
•  U.S.P. XXIII class VI compliant

A good indication of the molecular breakdown of polycarbonate can be obtained by monitoring the drop in Limiting Viscosity Number (LVN) of a part during its lifetime. If the value for LVN decreases, this indicates that molecular breakdown is ocurring.

In the chart below the hydrolysis resistance in a steam environment of three different Xantar grades are given, using the LVN as an indicator for molecular breakdown. Xantar MX 2042 FD clearly offers an enormous advantage over standard XANTAR 24 R as well as the conventional steam resistant grade Xantar 24 SR FD.

In the past few years, the use of fat emulsions for IV therapy has grown in popularity. The reason is that lipid emulsions are better suited for administering drugs that are not water-soluble. Fatty solutions can attack polycarbonate while it is under stress load. Xantar MX 2042 FD has been optimised to provide improved lipid resistance.

Gamma sterilization
High-energy irradiation has grown rapidly as a sterilisation method. Products can be sterilised while sealed in their packaging, and the fully penetrating irradiation places fewer constraints compared to other methods. Polycarbonate is inherently stable to gamma radiation up to 100 kGy. However, clear PC undergoes considerable yellowing after irradiation. Xantar MX 2042 FD is available in a special gamma stabilised color. By making use of dye bleaching, a 50% reduction in color shift compared to natural MX 2042 FD can be obtained.

Xantar MX 2042 FD 01001 has undergone extensive biochemical testing by independent laboratories confirming U.S.P. XXIII class VI compliance. This means that Xantar MX 2042 FD is biocompatible with living systems, and thus suitable for use for medical and health care devices.