SABIC introduces fluorine-free LNP ELCRES NPCRX9612U polycarbonate resin, enhancing medical device safety, chemical resistance, and regulatory compliance worldwide.
SABIC, a leading global player in the chemical industry, has announced the launch of an innovative medical-grade material that marks a significant step forward in product safety and regulatory compliance. The company has introduced LNP ELCRES NPCRX9612U, the first grade in a newly developed family of polycarbonate copolymer resins that are completely free from fluorine and other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This development responds directly to rising global concerns around PFAS usage, particularly in sensitive applications such as healthcare and medical devices.
The newly launched resin has achieved certification under UL746G, a standard that signifies compliance for materials used in medical applications requiring repeated exposure to harsh chemicals. This certification confirms the resin’s exceptional resistance to aggressive disinfectants commonly used in healthcare environments, including quaternary ammonium compounds. In addition, the material delivers UL94 V0 flame retardance at a wall thickness of 1.5 mm, enabling manufacturers to design thinner, lighter, and more compact components without compromising safety or performance.
LNP ELCRES NPCRX9612U is the first offering in SABIC’s broader NP resin portfolio, identifiable by its UL746G-certified prefix. This portfolio is designed to help original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and processors meet increasingly strict regulatory requirements while maintaining high performance standards. As healthcare regulations evolve worldwide—particularly around material transparency, chemical resistance, and environmental safety—this new resin family positions manufacturers to remain compliant and competitive.
Commenting on the launch, Sergi Monros, Vice President of Polymers for the Specialties Business Unit at SABIC, emphasized the company’s forward-looking approach. He noted that SABIC continues to invest heavily in research and development to create materials that help customers anticipate and adapt to future compliance and performance demands. According to Monros, SABIC’s close collaboration with customers and deep understanding of application trends allow the company to proactively engineer solutions tailored to real-world challenges in medical and industrial environments.
From a performance perspective, the new polycarbonate copolymer resin combines high impact strength with outstanding resistance to chemical degradation. These characteristics are especially important for medical devices that must endure frequent cleaning and disinfection throughout their service life. The resin is also biocompatible and custom-colorable, giving designers greater flexibility while supporting branding, usability, and aesthetic requirements.
The material is particularly well-suited for thin-wall and miniaturized medical device designs, a growing trend driven by the demand for portable, lightweight, and patient-friendly healthcare solutions. Potential applications include insulin delivery systems, diagnostic imaging equipment, patient monitoring devices, and other electronic medical instruments where durability, safety, and precision are critical.
This launch further strengthens SABIC’s already robust portfolio of medical-grade thermoplastics. Alongside the new NP resin family, SABIC offers LNP LUBRILOY compounds, which utilize proprietary non-PTFE internal lubrication technology to deliver wear resistance and low friction without relying on PFAS. The company’s portfolio also includes ULTEM HU resins, unreinforced polyetherimide (PEI) materials known for their excellent mechanical strength, electrical properties, dimensional stability, and resistance to chemicals and high temperatures.
Together, these innovations reinforce SABIC’s commitment to advancing safer, high-performance materials for the healthcare sector while addressing sustainability, regulatory compliance, and next-generation device design needs.
