food-grade and medical-grade polycarbonate granules

Polycarbonate Food Grade & Medical Grade Granules: Applications, Properties & Benefits

Polycarbonate (PC) granules are highly valued thermoplastics known for their exceptional mechanical strength, clarity, and biocompatibility. In food and medical sectors, where safety, hygiene, and durability are critical, food-grade and medical-grade polycarbonate granules play a vital role. These specialty grades meet stringent regulatory standards and are widely used in the manufacturing of safe, high-performance components.

Polycarbonate Food Grade & Medical Grade Granules: Applications, Properties & Benefits

What Are Polycarbonate Food Grade Granules?

Food-grade polycarbonate granules are specially formulated to comply with food contact regulations, such as those set by the U.S. FDA, EU 10/2011, and IS 9845 in India. These granules are non-toxic, BPA-free (in many modern variants), and ideal for direct contact with food and beverages.

Common Applications:

  • Water bottles and dispensers
  • Food containers and trays
  • Baby feeding bottles
  • Kitchenware (e.g., cups, bowls, lids)
  • Microwaveable utensils

Key Properties:

  • High optical clarity
  • Heat and impact resistance
  • Dishwasher and sterilization durability
  • Odor and stain resistance

What Are Polycarbonate Medical Grade Granules?

Medical-grade polycarbonate granules are developed to meet rigorous standards like USP Class VI, ISO 10993, and FDA compliance. These granules are engineered to ensure biocompatibility, chemical resistance, and sterilizability, making them suitable for critical healthcare and diagnostic applications.

Common Applications:

  • Blood reservoirs and oxygenators
  • Medical connectors and valves
  • IV components and syringes
  • Dialysis devices
  • Laboratory diagnostic equipment

Key Properties:

  • Biocompatibility for prolonged skin or tissue contact
  • High resistance to gamma, EtO, and steam sterilization
  • Dimensional stability and strength
  • Resistance to alcohols, lipids, and common hospital disinfectants

Popular Food & Medical Grade Polycarbonate Grades

Grade NameApplication AreaKey Features
LEXAN™ 144R / 111 (Food Grade)Food PackagingHigh clarity, heat resistance, food contact approved
SABIC PC1004R (Food Grade)Food ProcessingBPA-free, FDA-compliant, good flow
LEXAN™ HPS7-1H1125 (Medical Grade)Medical DevicesBiocompatible, steam sterilizable
Lipid PC (Medical Grade)Drug Contact DevicesResistant to lipids, chemical disinfectants
Medical Grade PC – Custom FormulationsSurgical EquipmentGamma/Eto resistant, long-term stability

Why Choose Polycarbonate for Food and Medical Applications?

  • Versatility: Easily molded into complex shapes for functional parts.
  • Safety: Maintains stability and clarity without leaching harmful chemicals.
  • Performance: Withstands sterilization, impact, and repeated use.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Approved for critical contact applications across global markets.

Conclusion

Polycarbonate food-grade and medical-grade granules offer a unique combination of clarity, toughness, and regulatory compliance. They are indispensable in modern healthcare, laboratory, and food contact products, ensuring safety, performance, and trust. With advances in material science, today’s medical and food manufacturers can rely on high-purity, specialized PC grades to meet the evolving needs of their industries.

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