Polymer Composition for Sterilizable Articles

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Poly(biphenyl ether sulfone) compositions face challenges in resisting discoloration and property degradation during hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization, with existing solutions not adequately addressing these issues.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating specific metal oxides such as calcium oxide (CaO) and magnesium oxide (MgO) into the polymer composition, with CaO being at least 1% and MgO at least 2% by weight, to enhance resistance to hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization without discoloration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If polyphenyl sulfone compositions are used for medical articles, then resistance to steam sterilization is improved, but resistance to hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization deteriorates causing discoloration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to steam sterilizationVSAvoiddiscoloration during hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining polyphenyl sulfone with polyetherimide to create a new polymer composition that exhibits improved resistance to both steam sterilization and hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization. The composite structure allows the materials to complement each other's properties, with polyetherimide providing enhanced chemical resistance to hydrogen peroxide while polyphenyl sulfone maintains its steam sterilization resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the molecular structure and composition of the polymer blend. Specifically, it adjusts the ratio of polyphenyl sulfone to polyetherimide and optimizes the molecular weight parameters to achieve the desired balance between steam sterilization resistance and hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization resistance, thereby preventing discoloration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization is used, then sterilization time is reduced, but article properties and appearance deteriorate due to harsh oxidizing power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization timeVSAvoidmaintenance of article properties and appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful oxidizing effect of hydrogen peroxide gas plasma into a beneficial outcome by selecting polymer materials that are specifically resistant to oxidation. The polyetherimide component in the composition is chosen for its excellent chemical stability and resistance to oxidative degradation, allowing the material to withstand the harsh sterilization conditions without deteriorating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The composite polymer composition combines materials with complementary resistance profiles, where polyetherimide provides specific resistance to hydrogen peroxide oxidation while polyphenyl sulfone contributes overall structural stability. This synergistic combination enables the article to maintain its properties during rapid sterilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS10961350B2Polymer composition and sterilizable articles obtainable therefrom

Publication Date: 2021.03.30 SOLVAY SPECIALTY POLYMERS USA LLC

AI summary

The invention relates to a composition [composition (C)] comprising a poly(biphenyl ether sulfone) polymer [polymer (P)] and selected metal oxides in specific amounts. Composition (C) can be advantageously used for the manufacture of sterilizable shaped articles.