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Autoclave-safe resins compared: PPSU vs PSU vs PEEK and more

Reference only: Compiled from public manufacturer literature for reference only; it may be incomplete or outdated. Before using any grade in a device, verify the current manufacturer data sheet and complete your own testing and regulatory review.

Steam sterilization (commonly 121 °C gravity or 134 °C prevacuum cycles) is hard on plastics for two reasons: the part must stay dimensionally stable at cycle temperature, and the polymer must resist hydrolysis. Reusable devices add a third: damage accumulates over repeated cycles, and molded-in stress plus cleaning chemicals can lead to cracking, especially in amorphous resins.

How the common choices compare

PPSU is generally the most steam-resistant of the sulfones and is widely used for reusable instrument handles, trays and housings that see many cycles. Syensqo states Radel R-5100 withstands over 1,000 steam cycles without significant loss of properties or appearance (Radel PPSU).
PSU and PESU tolerate steam with lower long-term resistance than PPSU. BASF rates Ultrason S 2010 and Ultrason E 2010 at up to 100 superheated-steam cycles at 134 °C (avoid mechanical stress), and Syensqo notes Udel P-1700 PSU has lower sterilization resistance than Radel PPSU.
PEEK is semi-crystalline with high heat resistance and very good hydrolysis resistance, which suits repeated autoclaving. Evonik states > 500 autoclave cycles for VESTAKEEP Care M40 G and its sister Care grades.
PEI is amorphous with high heat resistance and handles repeated steam well; SABIC lists steam compatibility for its ULTEM HU grades.
Polycarbonate hydrolyzes under repeated steam; suppliers give limited temperatures or cycle counts. See Is polycarbonate autoclavable?
Polypropylene can take 121 °C steam for a limited number of cycles. Acetal (POM) and polyamides usually carry limited ratings.
Not autoclavable as a rule: TPU (aromatic, aliphatic and chemistry not stated), LDPE and most styrenics soften, deform or degrade at steam temperatures. Silicone tolerates steam well.

High-performance resins in MedResin (30 grades)

Every PPSU, PSU, PESU, PEEK, PEI, PPS, LCP and PVDF grade in the database, with the supplier's autoclave statement and cycle data where given.

Data comes from public supplier literature (cited on each grade page). A blank cell means not stated in the source, not "no". Always confirm with the supplier's current documentation before use.

Grade	Maker	Family	Autoclave	Autoclave / steam (as stated)	Gamma	VHP
Vectra MT 1300	Celanese	LCP	limited	steam 121/134 °C rated "possible"	✔
Vectra MT 1310	Celanese	LCP (30% GF)	limited	steam 121/134 °C rated "possible"	✔
Vectra MT 4310	Celanese	LCP (30% GF)	limited	steam 121/134 °C rated "possible"	✔
Vectra MT 4350	Celanese	LCP (40% mineral)	limited	steam 121/134 °C rated "possible"	✔
Vectra MT 1335	Celanese	LCP (glass/PTFE)	limited	steam 121/134 °C rated "possible"	✔
VESTAKEEP Care M20 G	Evonik	PEEK	✔	> 500 autoclave cycles	✔
VESTAKEEP Care M33 G-HP	Evonik	PEEK	✔	> 500 autoclave cycles	✔
VESTAKEEP Care M40 G	Evonik	PEEK	✔	> 500 autoclave cycles	✔
VESTAKEEP M4G	Evonik	PEEK
PEEK-OPTIMA (family)	Invibio (Victrex)	PEEK	✔		✔
Zeniva ZA-600	Syensqo (Solvay)	PEEK	✔		✔
VICTREX PC (family)	Victrex	PEEK
TECAPEEK MT natural	Ensinger	PEEK (stock shapes)	✔		✔
ULTEM HU1000	SABIC	PEI	✔		✔	✔
ULTEM HU1010	SABIC	PEI	✔		✔	✔
ULTEM HU1100	SABIC	PEI	✔		✔
ULTEM HU2100	SABIC	PEI (10% GF)	✔		✔
ULTEM HU2200	SABIC	PEI (20% GF)	✔		✔
ULTEM HU2300	SABIC	PEI (30% GF)	✔		✔	✔
ULTEM HU1004	SABIC	PEI blend	✔		✔	✔
Fortron MT 9140L4	Celanese	PPS (40% GF)	✔		✔
Fortron MT 9140L6	Celanese	PPS (40% GF)	✔		✔
Kynar 720 MED	Arkema	PVDF	✔		✔
Ultrason E 2010	BASF	PESU	limited	up to 100 superheated-steam cycles at 134 °C (avoid mechanical stress)	✔
Ultrason E 3010	BASF	PESU	limited	up to 100 superheated-steam cycles at 134 °C (avoid mechanical stress)	✔
Veradel HC PESU	Syensqo (Solvay)	PESU			limited
Radel R-5000	Syensqo (Solvay)	PPSU	✔		✔	✔
Radel R-5100	Syensqo (Solvay)	PPSU	✔	Over 1,000 steam cycles without significant loss of properties or appearance (Radel PPSU)	✔	✔
Ultrason S 2010	BASF	PSU	limited	up to 100 superheated-steam cycles at 134 °C (avoid mechanical stress)	✔
Udel P-1700	Syensqo (Solvay)	PSU	✔		✔

Autoclave statements by polymer group

Polymer group	Grades	Stated yes	Limited	Stated no	Not stated
Acetal (POM)	24	6	18
Acrylic	1				1
Aliphatic TPU	27			27
Aromatic TPU	36			36
COC and COP	9	3		3	3
LCP	5		5
PEBA	15	9	5		1
PEEK	8	6			2
PEI	7	7
PPS	2	2
PVC	2				2
PVDF	1	1
Polyamide (PA12, transparent PA)	11		11
Polycarbonate and PC blends	41	28	3	3	7
Polyesters (PBT, copolyester)	14		5		9
Polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE, UHMW-PE, plastomer)	21			5	16
Polypropylene	44	20			24
Silicone and LSR	9	3			6
Styrenics (ABS, ASA, MABS, MBS, SAN, SBC, SMMA, S-TPE)	25				25
Sulfones (PSU, PESU, PPSU)	7	3	3		1
TPE tubing compounds	20	6			14
TPU (chemistry not stated)	9			9

Group names and counts link to the matching grade lists.

All 144 grades stated autoclave-compatible or limited

Cycle and temperature figures are copied as the supplier states them. Blank means the source gives no figure.

Grade	Maker	Family	Autoclave	Autoclave / steam (as stated)
Ultraform N2320 003 PRO AT	BASF	POM	limited	121 °C and 134 °C: limited resistance; 143 °C: no resistance (depends on conditions, duration and number of cycles)
Ultraform S1320 003 PRO AT	BASF	POM	limited	121 °C and 134 °C: limited resistance; 143 °C: no resistance (depends on conditions, duration and number of cycles)
Ultraform S2320 003 PRO AT	BASF	POM	limited	121 °C and 134 °C: limited resistance; 143 °C: no resistance (depends on conditions, duration and number of cycles)
Ultraform W2320 003 PRO AT	BASF	POM	limited	121 °C and 134 °C: limited resistance; 143 °C: no resistance (depends on conditions, duration and number of cycles)
Hostaform MT 12R01	Celanese	POM	limited	steam 121/134 °C rated "possible"
Hostaform MT 12U01	Celanese	POM	limited	steam 121/134 °C rated "possible"
Hostaform MT 12U03	Celanese	POM	limited	steam 121/134 °C rated "possible"
Hostaform MT 24F01	Celanese	POM	limited	steam 121/134 °C rated "possible"
Hostaform MT 24U01	Celanese	POM	limited	steam 121/134 °C rated "possible"
Hostaform MT 8F01	Celanese	POM	limited	steam 121/134 °C rated "possible"
Hostaform MT 8F02	Celanese	POM	limited	steam 121/134 °C rated "possible"
Hostaform MT 8R02	Celanese	POM	limited	steam 121/134 °C rated "possible"
Hostaform MT 8U01	Celanese	POM	limited	steam 121/134 °C rated "possible"
Hostaform MT 8U05	Celanese	POM	limited	steam 121/134 °C rated "possible"
Hostaform MT SlideX 1203	Celanese	POM	limited	steam 121/134 °C rated "possible"
Hostaform MT SlideX 2404	Celanese	POM	limited	steam 121/134 °C rated "possible"
Delrin RASC655	Delrin (formerly DuPont)	POM (homopolymer)	✔	"a number of repeat autoclave cycles" (not quantified)
Delrin RASC698	Delrin (formerly DuPont)	POM (homopolymer)	✔	"a number of repeat autoclave cycles" (not quantified)
Delrin SC631	Delrin (formerly DuPont)	POM (homopolymer)	✔	"a number of repeat autoclave cycles" (not quantified)
Delrin SC655	Delrin (formerly DuPont)	POM (homopolymer)	✔	"a number of repeat autoclave cycles" (not quantified)
Delrin SC690	Delrin (formerly DuPont)	POM (homopolymer)	✔	"a number of repeat autoclave cycles" (not quantified)
Delrin SC698	Delrin (formerly DuPont)	POM (homopolymer)	✔	"a number of repeat autoclave cycles" (not quantified)
Ultraform S2320 003 PRO TR AT	BASF	POM (tribologically modified)	limited	121 °C and 134 °C: limited resistance; 143 °C: no resistance (depends on conditions, duration and number of cycles)
Ultraform W2320 003 PRO TR AT	BASF	POM (tribologically modified)	limited	121 °C and 134 °C: limited resistance; 143 °C: no resistance (depends on conditions, duration and number of cycles)
TOPAS 6015S-04	TOPAS Advanced Polymers	COC	✔	hot steam 121, 134 and 143 °C: + (base type 6015)
ZEONEX 690R	Zeon	COP	✔
ZEONEX 790R	Zeon	COP	✔
Vectra MT 1300	Celanese	LCP	limited	steam 121/134 °C rated "possible"
Vectra MT 1310	Celanese	LCP (30% GF)	limited	steam 121/134 °C rated "possible"
Vectra MT 4310	Celanese	LCP (30% GF)	limited	steam 121/134 °C rated "possible"
Vectra MT 4350	Celanese	LCP (40% mineral)	limited	steam 121/134 °C rated "possible"
Vectra MT 1335	Celanese	LCP (glass/PTFE)	limited	steam 121/134 °C rated "possible"
Pebax 1074 SA 01 MED	Arkema	PEBA	✔
Pebax 2533 SA 01 MED	Arkema	PEBA	✔
Pebax 3533 SA 01 MED	Arkema	PEBA	✔
Pebax 4033 SA 01 MED	Arkema	PEBA	✔
Pebax 4533 SA 01 MED	Arkema	PEBA	✔
Pebax 5533 SA 01 MED	Arkema	PEBA	✔
Pebax 6333 SA 01 MED	Arkema	PEBA	✔
Pebax 7033 SA 01 MED	Arkema	PEBA	✔
Pebax 7233 SA 01 MED	Arkema	PEBA	✔
VESTAMID Care ME40	Evonik	PEBA	limited	<5 steam sterilization cycles
VESTAMID Care ME47	Evonik	PEBA	limited	5-25 steam sterilization cycles
VESTAMID Care ME55	Evonik	PEBA	limited	25-50 steam sterilization cycles
VESTAMID Care ME62	Evonik	PEBA	limited	25-50 steam sterilization cycles
VESTAMID Care ME71	Evonik	PEBA	limited	25-50 steam sterilization cycles
VESTAKEEP Care M20 G	Evonik	PEEK	✔	> 500 autoclave cycles
VESTAKEEP Care M33 G-HP	Evonik	PEEK	✔	> 500 autoclave cycles
VESTAKEEP Care M40 G	Evonik	PEEK	✔	> 500 autoclave cycles
PEEK-OPTIMA (family)	Invibio (Victrex)	PEEK	✔
Zeniva ZA-600	Syensqo (Solvay)	PEEK	✔
TECAPEEK MT natural	Ensinger	PEEK (stock shapes)	✔
ULTEM HU1000	SABIC	PEI	✔
ULTEM HU1010	SABIC	PEI	✔
ULTEM HU1100	SABIC	PEI	✔
ULTEM HU2100	SABIC	PEI (10% GF)	✔
ULTEM HU2200	SABIC	PEI (20% GF)	✔
ULTEM HU2300	SABIC	PEI (30% GF)	✔
ULTEM HU1004	SABIC	PEI blend	✔
Fortron MT 9140L4	Celanese	PPS (40% GF)	✔
Fortron MT 9140L6	Celanese	PPS (40% GF)	✔
Kynar 720 MED	Arkema	PVDF	✔
TROGAMID Care MX73	Evonik	PA (transparent microcrystalline)	limited	5-25 steam sterilization cycles
TROGAMID Care MX97	Evonik	PA (transparent microcrystalline)	limited	5-25 steam sterilization cycles
VESTAMID Care ML16	Evonik	PA12	limited	5-25 steam sterilization cycles
VESTAMID Care ML17	Evonik	PA12	limited	5-25 steam sterilization cycles
VESTAMID Care ML18	Evonik	PA12	limited	5-25 steam sterilization cycles
VESTAMID Care ML19	Evonik	PA12	limited	5-25 steam sterilization cycles
VESTAMID Care ML21	Evonik	PA12	limited	25-50 steam sterilization cycles
VESTAMID Care ML24	Evonik	PA12	limited	25-50 steam sterilization cycles
VESTAMID Care ML67	Evonik	PA12	limited	5-25 steam sterilization cycles
VESTAMID Care ML94	Evonik	PA12	limited	5-25 steam sterilization cycles
VESTAMID Care MLGB30	Evonik	PA12 (glass beads)	limited	25-100 steam sterilization cycles
Makrolon 2258	Covestro	PC	✔	steam at 121 °C; Covestro says do not exceed 125 °C for Makrolon
Makrolon 2458	Covestro	PC	✔	steam at 121 °C; Covestro says do not exceed 125 °C for Makrolon
Makrolon 2558	Covestro	PC	✔	steam at 121 °C; Covestro says do not exceed 125 °C for Makrolon
Makrolon 2658	Covestro	PC	✔	steam at 121 °C; Covestro says do not exceed 125 °C for Makrolon
Makrolon 2858	Covestro	PC	✔	steam at 121 °C; Covestro says do not exceed 125 °C for Makrolon
Makrolon 3158	Covestro	PC	✔	steam at 121 °C; Covestro says do not exceed 125 °C for Makrolon
Makrolon 3258	Covestro	PC	✔	steam at 121 °C; Covestro says do not exceed 125 °C for Makrolon
Makrolon 3638	Covestro	PC	✔	steam at 121 °C; Covestro says do not exceed 125 °C for Makrolon
Makrolon Rx1452	Covestro	PC	✔	steam at 121 °C; Covestro says do not exceed 125 °C for Makrolon
Makrolon Rx1805	Covestro	PC	✔	steam at 121 °C; Covestro says do not exceed 125 °C for Makrolon
Makrolon Rx1851	Covestro	PC	✔	steam at 121 °C; Covestro says do not exceed 125 °C for Makrolon
Makrolon Rx2235	Covestro	PC	✔	steam at 121 °C; Covestro says do not exceed 125 °C for Makrolon
Makrolon Rx2430	Covestro	PC	✔	steam at 121 °C; Covestro says do not exceed 125 °C for Makrolon
Makrolon Rx2435	Covestro	PC	✔	steam at 121 °C; Covestro says do not exceed 125 °C for Makrolon
Makrolon Rx2440	Covestro	PC	✔	steam at 121 °C; Covestro says do not exceed 125 °C for Makrolon
Makrolon Rx2530	Covestro	PC	✔	steam at 121 °C; Covestro says do not exceed 125 °C for Makrolon
Makrolon Rx2635	Covestro	PC	✔	steam at 121 °C; Covestro says do not exceed 125 °C for Makrolon
Makrolon Rx3440	Covestro	PC	✔	steam at 121 °C; Covestro says do not exceed 125 °C for Makrolon
Makrolon M6011 FR	Covestro	PC (flame retardant)	✔	steam at 121 °C
Apec 1745	Covestro	PC (high-heat)	✔	steam up to 143 °C; Apec specimens kept comparatively good impact strength after 100 cycles at 120-125 °C
Apec 2045	Covestro	PC (high-heat)	✔	steam up to 143 °C; Apec specimens kept comparatively good impact strength after 100 cycles at 120-125 °C
Makrolon M204 LF	Covestro	PC (low friction)	limited	single sterilization cycle only (steam 121 °C)
Makrolon M402 LF	Covestro	PC (low friction)	limited	single sterilization cycle only (steam 121 °C)
Makrolon M404 LF	Covestro	PC (low friction)	limited	single sterilization cycle only (steam 121 °C)
LEXAN HPX4	SABIC	PC copolymer	✔
Makrolon M410 GF	Covestro	PC/GF	✔	steam at 121 °C
Makrolon M420 GF	Covestro	PC/GF	✔	steam at 121 °C
Makrolon M430 GF	Covestro	PC/GF	✔	steam at 121 °C
Makrolon M810 GF	Covestro	PC/GF	✔	steam at 121 °C
Makrolon M820 GF	Covestro	PC/GF	✔	steam at 121 °C
Makrolon M830 GF	Covestro	PC/GF	✔	steam at 121 °C
Ultradur PRO B4521	BASF	PBT	limited	121 °C: limited resistance; 134/143 °C: no resistance (depends on conditions, duration and number of cycles)
Celanex 2401MT	Celanese	PBT	limited	steam 121/134 °C rated "possible"
Celanex 2402MT	Celanese	PBT	limited	steam 121/134 °C rated "possible"
Celanex 2404MT	Celanese	PBT	limited	steam 121/134 °C rated "possible"
Celanex 2405MT	Celanese	PBT	limited	steam 121/134 °C rated "possible"
11M35V	INVISTA	PP	✔
11R12A	INVISTA	PP	✔
12G50M	INVISTA	PP	✔
13R9A	INVISTA	PP	✔
13T25A	INVISTA	PP	✔
23M2A	INVISTA	PP	✔
23N10A	INVISTA	PP	✔
23R2A	INVISTA	PP	✔
23R2B	INVISTA	PP	✔
H0500HN	INVISTA	PP	✔
P4C5N-046	INVISTA	PP	✔
P9M7R-056	INVISTA	PP	✔
Purell HP6331	LyondellBasell	PP	✔
Purell HP6523	LyondellBasell	PP	✔
Purell PD702	LyondellBasell	PP	✔
Purell PF511	LyondellBasell	PP	✔
Purell PF531	LyondellBasell	PP	✔
Purell RP491S	LyondellBasell	PP	✔
Purell EP494T	LyondellBasell	PP (impact copolymer)	✔
Purell SR549M	LyondellBasell	PP (random copolymer)	✔
Silopren LSR 4060	Momentive	LSR	✔
Silopren LSR 4080	Momentive	LSR	✔
Silopren LSR 4660	Momentive	LSR	✔
Ultrason E 2010	BASF	PESU	limited	up to 100 superheated-steam cycles at 134 °C (avoid mechanical stress)
Ultrason E 3010	BASF	PESU	limited	up to 100 superheated-steam cycles at 134 °C (avoid mechanical stress)
Radel R-5000	Syensqo (Solvay)	PPSU	✔
Radel R-5100	Syensqo (Solvay)	PPSU	✔	Over 1,000 steam cycles without significant loss of properties or appearance (Radel PPSU)
Ultrason S 2010	BASF	PSU	limited	up to 100 superheated-steam cycles at 134 °C (avoid mechanical stress)
Udel P-1700	Syensqo (Solvay)	PSU	✔
Medalist MD-91760	Teknor Apex	TPE (biopharma tubing)	✔
Medalist MD-91970	Teknor Apex	TPE (biopharma tubing)	✔
Medalist MD-92260	Teknor Apex	TPE (biopharma tubing)	✔
Medalist MD-96267	Teknor Apex	TPE (biopharma tubing)	✔
Medalist MD-12362	Teknor Apex	TPE (medical tubing)	✔
Medalist MD-12368	Teknor Apex	TPE (medical tubing)	✔

Grade data last checked 2026-10-16. Blank cells mean not stated by the source. Each grade page cites its source. About the data · Suggest a correction

More guides: Which medical plastics survive gamma sterilization? · USP Class VI vs ISO 10993 · EtO-compatible materials for catheters and tubing · Choosing a TPU for medical tubing · All guides

Overview of every polymer group: Medical-grade plastics: grades by polymer and sterilization