Gamma is the default for single-use devices, with typical doses of 25–40 kGy. Still, "medical grade" on a datasheet doesn't mean a resin can take radiation. Teams find this out late, when parts come back yellow or brittle after a validation run.

So we read the supplier literature. Here's what manufacturers state themselves. Confirm against the current datasheet and validate on your finished device.

5 that survive gamma

1. Covestro Makrolon Rx2235 (PC). Covestro lists it among its radiation-stable grades. After a typical dose it turns a neutral tint instead of the yellow you see in standard PC. Covestro states USP Class VI and ISO 10993. Covestro Healthcare Reference Guide 2025
2. TOPAS 8007S-04 (COC). A clear, high-purity COC that withstands gamma and EtO, with ISO 10993 and USP Class VI. It is not steam-sterilizable. TOPAS 8007S-04 TDS
3. Evonik VESTAMID Care ML21 (PA12). Evonik says every Care grade can take EtO and gamma up to 50 kGy without losing mechanical stability. Evonik Medical Care brochure
4. Syensqo Radel R-5000 (PPSU). Rated for 40 kGy gamma, more than 1,000 steam cycles at 134 °C, and 200 VHP cycles, so it works for reusables too. Syensqo Radel healthcare
5. INVISTA P5M6K-080 (PP). Standard PP usually needs stabilizing before it can be irradiated. INVISTA lists this random copolymer as radiation sterilizable, and EtO compatible. INVISTA MedSelect brochure

2 that need caution

1. Aromatic TPU, e.g. Lubrizol Pellethane 2363. Lubrizol recommends EtO or peroxide and flags gamma and e-beam for caution, because radiation can discolor aromatic TPUs. Its aliphatic families (Tecoflex, Carbothane) are rated at 25 and 50 kGy. Lubrizol TPU sterilization guide
2. PC blends (Covestro Bayblend / Makroblend). Covestro notes these blends can yellow and lose impact strength after high-energy radiation. If you need to irradiate, use the Rx grades. Covestro guide

About master files: a supplier saying it has FDA files for its portfolio doesn't mean your specific grade is covered. Ask for a letter of authorization for the exact grade. Where a supplier doesn't tie a file to a grade, MedResin shows "not stated".

Filter 417 grades in about 10 seconds

MedResin is a free database of 417 medical-grade resin grades from 29 manufacturers. You can filter by gamma, EtO, autoclave, VHP, USP Class VI, ISO 10993, and FDA master file. Every value links to its source document, and a blank means "not stated", not "no".

→ Search the database free at medresin.com

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All data comes from public supplier literature. This is not engineering advice.