E-beam sterilizable thermoplastics elastomers for healthcare devices: Mechanical, morphology, and in vivo studies

Abstract

The effect of electron beam radiation on ethylene-propylene diene terpolymer/polypropylene blends is studied as an attempt to develop radiation sterilizable polypropylene/ethylene-propylene diene terpolymer blends suitable for medical devices. The polypropylene/ethylene-propylene diene terpolymer blends with mixing ratios of 80/20, 50/50, 20/80 were prepared in an internal mixer at 165°C and a rotor speed of 50 rpm/min followed by compression molding. The blends and the individual components were radiated using 3.0 MeV electron beam accelerator at doses ranging from 0 to 100 kGy in air and room temperature. All the samples were tested for tensile strength, elongation at break, hardness, impact strength, and morphological properties. After exposing to 25 and 100 kGy radiation doses, 50% PP blend was selected for in vivo studies. Results revealed that radiation-induced crosslinking is dominating in EPDM dominant blends, while radiation-induced degradation is prevailing in PP dominant blends. The 20% PP blend was found to be most compatible for 20-60 kGy radiation sterilization. The retention in impact strength with enhanced tensile strength of 20% PP blend at 20-60 kGy believed to be associated with increased compatibility between PP and EPDM along with the radiation-induced crosslinking. The scanning electron micrographs of the fracture surfaces of the PP/EPDM blends showed evidences consistent with the above contentation. The in vivo studies provide an instinct that the radiated blends are safe to be used for healthcare devices.

Development of a Novel Elastomer with unique properties: Fire and Radiation resistance

“…When stressed, these cross-links allow the chains to move and stretch out and then relax back to their original state once the stress is removed.Elastomers are often referred to as rubber materials due to their rubbery consistency and exibility [5].They nd applications in various industries, including automotive[6], aerospace [7], construction [8], electronics [9], and healthcare [10,11]. They are used in the manufacturing of tires [12], seals [13], gaskets [14], hoses [15], vibration dampers [15], O-rings [16], medical gloves [17], and many other products that require elasticity and resilience.The common examples of elastomers include natural rubber (made from the latex of rubber trees), synthetic rubbers like styrenebutadiene rubber (SBR), neoprene, and silicone rubber.…”