Polypropylene, used for the production of medical devices, especially disposable syringes, shows low resistance to gamma or electron beam irradiation. Ionizing radiation causes chain scission of polypropylene and polymer degradates.
The objective of investigations carried out on Malen P (polypropylene produced in Poland for the production of disposable syringes) was to obtain radiation resistant PP, in compliance with medical requirements of European Pharmacopoeia and international standards.
The modification process consists in applying additives, which block radicals formed during irradiation and partially change the crystalline structure of the initial PP. The results obtained confirm, that the modified PP MKE 93 meets the requirements of European Pharmacopoeia.
Analytical methods were elaborated in the Institute for Drugs Research and Control in agreement with international standards DIN, ISO. Disposable syringes made of this material have also obtained positive expertise and permission of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for use in health service.