Polyetherimide Polyphenylene Ether Sulfone Plasma Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved sterilized plastic articles that can endure repeated exposures to hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization without significant degradation in properties such as color retention, mechanical strength, and etched markings.
Innovation Solution
A polymer composition comprising 20-80 weight % of polyphenylene ether sulfone and 20-80 weight % of polyetherimide, with specific molecular weight ranges and formulations, which retains legibility of etched markings and maintains multiaxial impact energy after exposure to multiple cycles of hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If articles are sterilized using hydrogen peroxide plasma, then sterilization is achieved, but the articles undergo surface degradation and loss of etched markings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite polymer material consisting of polyphenylene ether sulfone and polyetherimide in a specific ratio (30-70% and 70-30% respectively). This composite formulation provides resistance to hydrogen peroxide plasma while maintaining etched marking legibility after multiple sterilization cycles, resolving the contradiction between sterilization effectiveness and surface marking preservation
2Reliability
If articles undergo repeated hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization cycles, then sterilization is maintained, but color retention and mechanical properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise molecular weight parameters for both polymers (polyphenylene ether sulfone: 50,000-150,000 g/mol; polyetherimide: 20,000-80,000 g/mol) and their ratio (30-70% and 70-30%). These parameter optimizations enable the material to maintain color retention (ΔE < 10) and mechanical properties after 100 sterilization cycles while maintaining sterilization effectiveness
3Ease of manufacture
If polyphenylene ether sulfone is used alone for article fabrication, then ease of manufacture is achieved, but durability against peroxide plasma degradation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines polyphenylene ether sulfone with polyetherimide to create a composite material that maintains ease of manufacture through standard processing techniques while significantly improving durability against peroxide plasma degradation. The composite formulation preserves etched markings and mechanical properties after repeated sterilization cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces polyetherimide components specifically to enhance surface resistance to plasma degradation while maintaining the bulk material's processability. The composite structure provides localized improvement in plasma resistance at the surface level where etched markings exist, without compromising overall manufacturability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The polymer composition exhibits superior color retention, mechanical property retention, and etched surface marking preservation, allowing for longer service life in sterile environments compared to articles made from polyphenylene ether sulfone alone.
Implementation Method 1
treated with a member selected from hydrogen peroxide plasma, hydrogen peroxide vapor, and combinations thereof
Implementation Method 2
treated with a member selected from hydrogen peroxide plasma, hydrogen peroxide vapor, and combinations thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A sterilized article comprising a hydrogen peroxide plasma or hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilized polymer composition, the polymer composition comprising from 20 to 80 weight % of a polyphenylene ether sulfone; and from 20 to 80 weight % of a polyetherimide. When sterilized with a hydrogen peroxide plasma, or hydrogen peroxide vapor, the articles have surprisingly improved resistance to changes in color and clarity as well as resistance to loss of mechanical properties.