The new polymer, the company explained, is rigid enough to replace metal parts in surgical devices and has a much lower climate change impact than comparable fossil-based plastics.

Arkema launched a new Polyamide (PA) 11 developed for medical applications that combines performance and lightweight properties with sustainability credentials.

As part of Arkema’s portfolio of advanced biocircular materials, Rilsan MED PA 11 is based on the company’s flagship amino 11 chemistry, which is derived from castor oil, and can help medical device OEMs achieve corporate sustainability goals.

Rilsan MED PA 11 is formulated with 65% glass fiber, resulting in a tensile modulus of 18.5 GPa. This property makes the material a suitable candidate to replace metal in surgical tools, Arkema explains.

Processability characteristics, including low mold temperatures and injection pressures, helped early users to easily change materials and reduce cycle times while maintaining component integrity, the company said.

Rilsan MED PA 11 withstands repeated gamma, steam, E-ray and EtO sterilization cycles and exposure to harsh chemicals. Biocompatibility has been evaluated according to USP Class VI and ISO 10993-4, -5 and -10 standards.

Rilsan MED PA 11’s sustainability credentials include up to 50% less impact on climate change than competing fossil-based polymers and a reduction in the depletion of fossil fuels. The polymer is recyclable, most effectively when processed through Arkema’s closed or open loop Virtucycle program.