autoclavable, clear plastic
autoclavable, clear plastic
(OP)
Hi, I'm looking for an injection moldable plastic that is clear and can be autoclaved, yet something cheaper than polycarbonate. It must withstand an autoclave process, which is 250F(120C) steam for about 30 min, without visibly deforming, say maybe 5% max. I saw that nylon has some heat resistant resins, does anyone know if those can be clear?
Also how about Polymethylpentene(PMP) or Styrene Acrylonitrile(SAN), any others?
Also how about Polymethylpentene(PMP) or Styrene Acrylonitrile(SAN), any others?






RE: autoclavable, clear plastic
Standard SAN won't work as the HDT is too low. High temperature SAN may work (copolymerized with either alpha methyl styrene or N-phenyl maleimide to increase HDT). Contact BASF and ask for Andrea Kirsch, tell her I sent you. The grade you need to ask about is called
Luran® HH-120 Highly heat-resistant specialty grade based on alpha-methylstyrene-acrylonitrile.
Vicat B is 120C so it's close.
COC would work but probably too expensive.
Chris DeArmitt PhD FRSC CChem
www.phantomplastics.com
Consultant to the plastics industry
RE: autoclavable, clear plastic
Nylons won't work as the ones you can afford are not transparent at over about 1mm thick and in the amorphous state probably won't withstand autoclave or will go cloudy after autoclave. The high temperature clear or aromatic nylons are quite expensive. Same story for PET.
SMA (styrene maelic anhydride) might work. A common trade name is Dylark. I am not even sure if it is still available
Regards
Pat
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RE: autoclavable, clear plastic
Chris DeArmitt PhD FRSC CChem
www.phantomplastics.com
Consultant to the plastics industry
RE: autoclavable, clear plastic
They tested for many hours (probably 5000 but to long ago to remember) in boiling distilled water and it passed. It stressed cracked the very first time someone thought to test it with an egg in the water. They aborted before launch, but not before ordering an FCL of SMA.
A real lesson on the value of real world vs lab environment testing.
I never saw data at over 100 deg C, but hydrolysis resistance at 100 deg C (in distilled water) was said to be good.
Regards
Pat
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RE: autoclavable, clear plastic
Thanks again!
RE: autoclavable, clear plastic
As stated above, plenty of clear stuff - most +$$$$'s comparatively.
www.tynevalleyplastics.co.uk
RE: autoclavable, clear plastic
It depends on how many times you wish to autoclave it. PC has a fairly short life in water at 120 deg C due to hydrolysis. Actual life varies greatly depending on grade and stress levels.
Regards
Pat
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RE: autoclavable, clear plastic
Thanks for the info in any case.
RE: autoclavable, clear plastic
Chris DeArmitt PhD FRSC CChem
www.phantomplastics.com
Consultant to the plastics industry
RE: autoclavable, clear plastic
I know for a fact that the Bayer hydrolysis resistant grade has about twice the life of standard grades from tests done on "unbreakable" beer glasses and Jugs or pitchers. I have data somewhere if that helps.
Also easy flow and mould release grades lose quite a bit of hydrolysis resistance.
Regards
Pat
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