SABIC’S NEW UL746G-CERTIFIED LNP™ ELCRES™ NPCRX RESIN CAN HELP MEDICAL DEVICE MAKERS COMPLY WITH UPCOMING PFAS REGULATIONS

SABIC, a global leader in the chemical industry, has introduced LNP^™ ELCRES^™ NPCRX9612U resin, the first grade in a family of polycarbonate copolymer resins formulated without fluorine or other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). In addition to being certified under UL746G, an outline of investigation for non-fluorine and non-PFAS containing materials, the new resin delivers excellent chemical resistance to withstand harsh healthcare disinfectants, and provides UL94 V0 flame retardance at 1.5mm for thin-wall geometries. The growing NP resin portfolio, whose grade prefix indicates a UL746G-certified resin, can help manufacturers across multiple industries anticipate and adapt to increasingly stringent regulatory requirements and performance demands.

“SABIC is investing in the research and development of new materials that can help OEMs get ahead of the curve in compliance and performance,” said Sergi Monros, vice president, SABIC Polymers, Specialties BU. “Our deep understanding of customers’ current and future application needs allows SABIC to be proactive in creating new grades that meet these requirements.”

The new LNP ELCRES NPCRX9612U grade, a polycarbonate-based copolymer resin, retains excellent impact performance and resists degradation under exposure to aggressive disinfectants like quaternary ammonium salts. This biocompatible, custom-colorable grade enables thin-wall, miniaturized device designs. It is well suited for applications such as insulin pumps, diagnostic imaging devices and monitors.

The new resin is part of SABIC’s broad portfolio of medical-grade thermoplastics, which includes LNP^™ LUBRILOY^™ compounds and ULTEM^™ HU resins. LNP LUBRILOY compounds use a proprietary, non-polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) internal lubrication technology to achieve excellent wear resistance and low friction without the use of PFAS. Learn more. ULTEM HU resins are unreinforced polyetherimide (PEI) materials featuring excellent mechanical, electrical and dimensional properties, and good chemical and heat resistance. Learn more.