Sterilizing Plastic

Steam Sterilizing Response

Radiation Sterilizing Response

Ethylene Oxide Sterilizing Response

Dry Heat Sterilizing Response

Acetal

Good

No

Good

Good

Acrylic

Poor

Good

Good

—

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

Varies^a

Good

Varies

—

High-density polyethylene

Good

Good

Good

—

Nylon

Varies^a

Good

Good

No

Polycarbonate

Varies

Good

Good

Good

Polyester

Poor

Good

Good

—

Polyethylene

Poor^a

Good

Good

—

Polyglycolic acid

No

No

Good

—

Polymethyl pentene

Good

Poor

Good

OK, no load

Polypropylene

Good

Varies

Good

OK, no load

Polypropylene and polyethylene copolymer

Good

Good

Good

OK, no load

Polystyrene

Poor

Good

Good

—

Polysulfone

Good

Good

Good

Yes

Polyurethane

Poor

Good

Good

—

Polyvinyl chloride

Varies^a

Varies

Good

—

Polyvinylidene fluoride

Good

Good

Good

—

Silicone

Good

Good

Good

Low temp.

Teflon

Varies

No

Good

OK

a There are many materials that can be damaged by high-temperature heat, including acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylic, styrene, low-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, etc.; however, acetal, polypropylene, and Teflon could be possible candidates for heat because these materials can be damaged by radiation. Polyurethane may be hydrolytically attacked by steam but not by low-temperature dry heat, EtO, or radiation. Material compatibility and considerations need to be evaluated before accepting any sterilization method listed above. See Table III for other possible candidates.