Durability of Bioplastics for Medical Device Applications

This project focuses on the evaluation and development of testing methods for determining the shelf life of bioplastics and products made from them for medical device applications. In this context, the goal is to generate information on sterilization resistance and the impact of sterilization on aging behavior in order to advance the substitution of petrochemical materials with bioplastics in the medical technology sector. The focus here is on long-lasting single-use products that have a shelf life of at least five years without their properties being negatively affected by aging processes.

Over the course of the project, selected types of polylactide, as well as a bio-based polyethylene, will be sterilized using ethylene oxide or gamma radiation, aged, and then examined thermally, mechanically, chemically, and optically. The properties of the sterilized and non-sterilized samples will then be compared. In addition, a comparison will be made between artificially accelerated aging and natural aging under standard climatic conditions. The artificial aging will be conducted in accordance with ASTM 1980.

The project is part of the “BeBio2 – Durability of Bioplastics and Biocomposites” research consortium and is supported by B. Braun Melsungen AG and nal von minden GmbH.