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Choosing a TPU for medical tubing
Thermoplastic polyurethane is a standard material for catheter shafts, extension sets and other medical tubing. It is tough, kink-resistant and abrasion-resistant, bonds well with solvents and adhesives, and is plasticizer-free, which is often the reason teams move from PVC. MedResin lists 66 flexible TPU grades (Lubrizol 57, Covestro 9).
Decisions that matter most
- Polyether, polyester or polycarbonate soft segment. Polyether TPUs resist hydrolysis and are the usual choice for devices in contact with fluids or tissue. Polyester TPUs are more prone to hydrolysis. Polycarbonate-based TPUs were developed for better oxidative stability than polyethers in long-term implants.
- Aromatic or aliphatic. Aromatic (MDI-based) grades generally offer higher strength and chemical resistance but yellow with light and radiation. Aliphatic grades resist yellowing, which matters for clear tubing and gamma-sterilized products.
- Hardness. Lower Shore A grades give flexible, kink-resistant tubing; Shore D grades give the stiffness and pushability needed for catheter shafts. Many Lubrizol and Covestro grade names end in the nominal hardness (for example 80A or 55D); confirm on the data sheet.
- Sterilization. Every flexible TPU in MedResin is listed as not suitable for autoclave. EtO is stated for all of them. Gamma is stated as compatible for the aliphatic and Covestro Texin Rx grades and as limited for Lubrizol's aromatic grades, which the supplier says may discolor.
- Hydrophilic grades. Hydrophilic aliphatic TPUs absorb water and soften when hydrated. They are used where wet lubricity or hydrated softness is wanted, and their dimensions change with hydration.
- Biocompatibility claims vary by grade. Check the USP VI and ISO 10993 columns below and the grade pages. Many grades here have no USP Class VI or ISO 10993 statement in the cited source; request it from the supplier.
Lubrizol's sterilization statements are family-level guidance and, per the cited source, based on single-cycle testing. Validate multiple exposures or resterilization yourself.
TPU chemistries in MedResin
Supplier statements, grouped as each grade is listed.
| Chemistry (as listed) | Grades | Makers | Gamma | EtO | Autoclave | VHP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TPU | 9 | Covestro | yes (9) | yes (9) | no (9) | not stated (9) |
| TPU (aliphatic polycarbonate) | 6 | Lubrizol | yes (6) | yes (6) | no (6) | yes (6) |
| TPU (aliphatic polyether) | 14 | Lubrizol | yes (14) | yes (14) | no (14) | yes (14) |
| TPU (aromatic polycarbonate) | 6 | Lubrizol | limited (6) | yes (6) | no (6) | yes (6) |
| TPU (aromatic polyester) | 5 | Lubrizol | limited (5) | yes (5) | no (5) | yes (5) |
| TPU (aromatic polyether) | 19 | Lubrizol | limited (19) | yes (19) | no (19) | yes (19) |
| TPU (hydrophilic aliphatic) | 7 | Lubrizol | yes (7) | yes (7) | no (7) | yes (7) |
All 66 flexible TPU grades
Rigid TPU (6 grades, not for tubing)
Rigid aromatic TPUs are used for connectors, luers and housings that are often bonded to TPU tubing.
| Grade | Maker | Family | Gamma | EtO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isoplast 2510 | Lubrizol | Rigid TPU (aromatic) | limited | ✔ |
| Isoplast 2530 R1 | Lubrizol | Rigid TPU (aromatic) | limited | ✔ |
| Isoplast 2531 | Lubrizol | Rigid TPU (aromatic) | limited | ✔ |
| Isoplast 2540 | Lubrizol | Rigid TPU (aromatic) | limited | ✔ |
| Tecoplast OP-770 Opaque | Lubrizol | Rigid TPU (aromatic) | limited | ✔ |
| Tecoplast TP-470 Clear | Lubrizol | Rigid TPU (aromatic) | limited | ✔ |
See also: EtO-compatible materials for catheters and tubing · PEBA grades
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? · Autoclave-safe resins compared · USP Class VI vs ISO 10993 · EtO-compatible materials for catheters and tubing · All guides
Overview of every polymer group: Medical-grade plastics: grades by polymer and sterilization