Effects of sterilization procedures on the tensile properties of polycarbonate

Abstract

AbstractThe tensile properties of polycarbonate were investigated for specimens subjected to three sterilization procedures—(autoclaving, gassing, and gamma irradiation). Generally the tensile modulus decreased and the percent elongation at yield increased for all sterilization procedures. The ultimate stress was decreased by the ethylene oxide and gamma radiation procedures, while it was increased by the autoclave procedure. The total elongation at break generally increased with all sterilization procedures investigated. For repeated sterilizations, it appears that the autoclave procedures would be less detrimental to the tensile properties of polycarbonate, particularly if the maximum sterilization temperature does not exceed 260°F (127°C). Any of the sterilization methods described can probably be used on polycarbonate for a single application, although the autoclave and gamma sterilization procedures appear to be somewhat better than the gas sterilization procedures in relation to the tensile properties.