Arkema has introduced a new PA11 material that the company says has been developed to replace metals and traditional polymers in medical device applications. Renewable, recyclable Rilsan MED polyamide 11 is lightweight and biocompatible to withstand the aggressive chemicals and repeated sterilization cycles required for medical polymers.
These polymers are derived from castor oil and therefore have a bio-based content of over 98%, with a carbon footprint 40-50% smaller than polyamides produced from traditional fossil feedstocks. In addition, castor beans do not compete directly with food crops and have no impact on deforestation.
The new 65% glass fiber reinforced Rilsan MED polyamide 11 grade has a tensile modulus of 18.5 GPa, making it ideal for replacing metal for the production of demanding surgical tools.
According to Mark Jessup, managing director of Surgical Dynamics, the early adopter of this new material is an ideal material for surgical tools and is easier to process than the PARA (polyarylamide) the company previously used.
"The bio-based nature we found in this new product gives us a real advantage to meet our customers' quest for more sustainable materials," he said.
