Chemically and Heat Resistant Sustason® PPSU MG for Healthcare Industry

Medical grade Radel® Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) is a high performance thermoplastic known for high heat resistance, toughness, superior impact strength, and chemical resistance. These characteristics make it an ideal material for multiple applications in the healthcare and life sciences industries, including orthopedic sizing trials, instrument handles, and sterilization trays and caddies.

Roechling Sustason® PPSU MG (Medical Grade) stock shapes are made exclusively with Syensqo (formerly Solvay) Radel^® R5500 resin.

Properties

Sustason® PPSU MG (Radel® R5500) is a high-performance thermoplastic recognized for its durability and reliability in demanding applications. Key properties include:

Good sterilization resistance (withstands repeated steam autoclave cycles)
High heat deflection temperature
High impact resistance
Chemical resistance
High tensile strength
Produced in an ISO 13485 certified facility
100% Lot Ultra-Sonic tested in-house
Resin has been tested to over 1000 steam sterilization cycles
12 standard colors; custom colors & BaSO₄ available

Common Applications

Sustason® PPSU (Radel® R5500) MG plays a vital role in the medical and life sciences industry by offering durability, traceability, and resistance to sterilization processes that helps ensure safety and reliability. Here are a few examples of where it's being used in the real world:

Sizing Trials

A sizing trial (in orthopedics/medical devices) is a set of non-implant trial pieces used during knee or hip replacement surgery to select the correct implant size and shape before the final implant is implanted. These sizing trials are color-coded for easy visual identification in a surgical setting.

Sustason® PPSU (Radel® R5500) MG is an ideal material choice for this application because it is:

Heat and chemical resistant, withstanding many sterilization/autoclave cycles
Machinable to tight tolerances, allowing for intricate designs and accurate, repeatable trial fittings
Available in 12 standard colors

Note: Sustason® PPSU MG is not for permanent implant

Surgical and Dental Instrument Handles

Sustason® PPSU (Radel® R5500) is a reliable, high-performance material for modern surgical and dental tool handles.

Why this material for this application?

Withstands repeated sterilization, maintaining shape and color through many steam autoclave cycles
Resistant to chemicals often used by hospitals and dental practices, including cleaning agents, disinfectants, and enzymatic cleaners
Lightweight compared to metal handles
High impact strength resists cracking or chipping, important in a setting where tools may be dropped or subjected to high mechanical stress
Multiple colors available, allowing for easy visual identification and distinction in a surgical setting

Sterilization Trays and Caddies

Sterilization trays, also known as caddies, sterilization cases, or instrument trays, are reusable containers designed to protect surgical instruments and ensure they are properly transported, sterilized, and stored. These trays are used in hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and life-science labs. They hold instruments in place so they can be sterilized and prevent instrument damage during transport. PPSU is desirable for various sterilization container components, including tray bases and lids.

Why Sustason® PPSU (Radel® R5500) MG for sterilization caddies and trays?

Sterilization trays/caddies must endure repeated sterilization/autoclaving cycles without warping or degrading in color or strength
Plastic is lightweight compared to metal trays, which allows for easier and more ergonomic handling
Maintains dimensional stability so that lids and tools fit properly and consistently
Machinable so that purpose-designed holes may be made to allow drainage and airflow to the instruments during sterilization