Covestro (Leverkusen / Germany; www.covestro.com) has launched two new families of medical-grade polycarbonate that target drug delivery and surgical device applications. The company has introduced three low-friction grades designed for use in medical products such as autoinjectors and injection pens, where a low-friction material ensures the injections are reliable and smooth. Two new glass-filled grades have also been developed for applications that demand stiffness and strength, such as load-bearing internal components for drug delivery devices and handles for minimally invasive or laparoscopic surgical tools, said the company.

The low-friction grades include “Makrolon M204 LF”, “Makrolon M402 LF” and “Makrolon M404 LF”, which feature reduced coefficients of friction and deliver good dimensional and mechanical properties while eliminating the need for external lubricants. These grades meet durability and biocompatibility values according to ISO 10993-1 and are sterilisable using various methods such as autoclave, ethylene oxide and radiation.

The glass-filled PC materials are offered in a high-performance glass-filled series that includes “Makrolon M810 GF”, “Makrolon M820 GF” and “Makrolon M830 GF”. Covestro also introduced its high-flow glass-filled series which includes “Makrolon M410 GF”, “Makrolon M420 GF” and “Makrolon M430 GF”. Both glass-filled grades are said to exhibit superior rigidity and strength, higher tensile modulus and tensile strength and improved dimensional stability under stress compared to unfilled PC. A high-gloss surface is achievable using rapid heat cycle moulding. The grades are biocompatible according to ISO 10993-1 for applications less than 30 days.