SABIC, a global chemical industry manufacturer, has introduced LNP ELCRES NPCRX9612U, the first grade in a new family of polycarbonate copolymers developed without fluorine and other PFAS substances. The material meets the requirements of the UL746G investigation program for non-fluorinated and PFAS-free plastics and combines high chemical resistance with UL94 V0 flame retardance at 1.5 mm, which is important for thin-walled structural parts.
The new grade was developed for medical device manufacturers who need to adapt their designs to upcoming restrictions on the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The NP resin portfolio, in which the "NP" prefix indicates UL746G compliance, is intended to support manufacturers across multiple sectors in meeting increasingly stringent regulatory requirements for material composition and performance demands related to chemical resistance, user safety and device miniaturization.
Sergi Monros, vice president SABIC Polymers, Specialties BU, highlights the role of development work on new materials tailored to future regulations and application trends.
"SABIC is investing in the research and development of new materials that can help OEMs get ahead of the curve in compliance and performance. Our deep understanding of customers’ current and future application needs allows SABIC to be proactive in creating new grades that meet these requirements."
Characteristics and applications of LNP ELCRES NPCRX9612U
LNP ELCRES NPCRX9612U is a polycarbonate-based copolymer that maintains high impact strength and resists degradation under exposure to aggressive healthcare disinfectants, such as quaternary ammonium salts. As a result, the material is suitable for parts exposed to frequent disinfection, where stability of mechanical and aesthetic properties over the service life is critical.
The material meets biocompatibility requirements and can be custom-colored, which facilitates the adaptation of products to the visual identification requirements of medical device manufacturers and to needs related to functional color coding of individual parts. Its processing behavior and mechanical properties support the design of thin-wall, miniaturized components, which is important for the development of a new generation of compact diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.
According to SABIC, the new LNP ELCRES NPCRX9612U grade is particularly well suited for applications such as housings and external components in insulin pumps, diagnostic imaging devices and medical monitors. These applications require a combination of resistance to cleaning agents, dimensional stability and electrical reliability while meeting fire safety requirements within confined installation spaces.
Positioning of the new grade in SABIC’s medical materials portfolio
The new LNP ELCRES NPCRX9612U resin complements SABIC’s broad portfolio of medical thermoplastics, which includes LNP Lubriloy compounds and Ultem HU resins. Expanding the range with UL746G-certified grades is intended to enable the gradual replacement of solutions based on fluorinated substances by materials designed without fluorine while maintaining required performance.
LNP Lubriloy compounds use proprietary internal lubrication technology that does not rely on polytetrafluoroethylene. This approach delivers high wear resistance and a low coefficient of friction without the use of PFAS substances. Such materials are used in moving and mating parts where durability and reduced need for additional lubrication are required.
Ultem HU resins are unreinforced polyetherimide (PEI) materials that combine favorable mechanical, electrical and dimensional properties with good chemical and heat resistance. This property profile makes them suitable for components that must retain stable performance at elevated temperatures and in chemically aggressive environments.
The development of the NP resin family and its integration with the existing medical thermoplastics portfolio is intended to provide device manufacturers with an optimal material selection toolbox for specific applications, taking into account growing requirements related to PFAS regulations, resistance to disinfection and product miniaturization.
SABIC's new LNP ELCRES NPCRX9612U resin, the first grade in a family of polycarbonate copolymer resins developed without fluorine and other PFAS substances, is intended for applications such as insulin pumps and diagnostic devices
