Additives for medical grade PVC

Additives for medical-grade PVC — blood bags, medical tubing and blister packs

The PVC used in a medical device is not evaluated like that used in food packaging. Here, the law governs. pharmacopoeiaThe product is subjected to extraction reagents, and the released components are characterized. This necessitates an exceptionally clean stabilization system and requires decisions to be made before qualification, such as selecting the antioxidant based on the sterilization method.

From our warehouse in Mexico we supply the additives for medical PVC: the stabilizer MgAlZn MW-33 (medical star product, free of alkylphenols), CaZn FDA/medical MW-11, octyl tin medical LOX-9808L and plasticizers (TOTM, DOTP), in partial batches.

We work with device manufacturers who require traceability and compliance documentation upon request. We deliver in smaller quantities or by full container load at preferential rates.

Sub-applications within the medical environment

Blood and serum bags

The most regulated application of medical-grade PVC: the material is in direct contact with the product, and the entire system is subjected to extraction reagents defined by the pharmacopoeia. The whole package—stabilizer, plasticizer, and co-stabilizer—is chosen for its extractable profile rather than its process performance. It's a formulation that is evaluated on a case-by-case basis; write to us, and we'll review which additives from our portfolio are compatible with yours.

Medical tubing and intravenous infusion

The transparent, flexible tubing must remain clear, maintain its flexibility throughout the device's lifespan, and not release any fluid into the container. It requires a clean, low-volatile stabilizing system and a plasticizer selected for its low migration.

Pharmaceutical blister packs

Rigid, transparent film for primary drug packaging. Clarity depends on complete melting, and the reference stabilizer in rigid, transparent film is tin, because it maintains thermal stability without generating the carbon spots or yellowing that ruin a film viewed against the light.

Valves and connectors

Rigid and semi-rigid injection-molded parts subjected to high shear stress in short periods require a stabilizer to withstand this process and an impact modifier to prevent fracture during assembly and use.

Additives for medical PVC

Resins

FunctionChemical Additives ProductsSpecific application
Low molecular weight suspension resinK 58 PVC resinBlister pack and rigid transparent sheet; low in gels and with excellent thermal stability
Medium/low molecular weight suspension resinK 61 PVC resinThermoformable calendered sheet, semi-rigid parts, valves and connectors
High porosity suspension resinK 70 PVC ResinMedical tubing and venoclysis: flexible extrusion with excellent electrical properties and low gel content

Medical stabilization

FunctionChemical Additives ProductsSpecific application
MgAlZn powder (medical star)MW-33Blood bag, IV infusion; alkylphenol-free
CaZn powder FDA/medical gradeMW-11Film/compounds with high toxicological requirements
Octyl tinLOX-9808LMedical and pharmaceutical rigid film and sheet; the reference system for blister packs
Methyl tinRT-198An alternative to blister packaging and rigid sheets in markets that accept it: it yields with a lower dosage and provides excellent initial color and transparency. Its availability and cost are more favorable than those of octyl tin.
In rigid transparent packaging—blister packs and sheets—tin is the reference material due to its thermal stability and resistance to carbonization and yellowing. Alkylophenol-free powder systems are used in flexible applications: bags, tubes, and IV infusions.
The choice between octyl and methyl tin depends on the target market for the device and the scope of the packaging validation. We help you determine which one is appropriate for your situation and provide you with the manufacturer's documentation for your records.

Plasticization / co-stabilization

FunctionChemical Additives ProductsSpecific application
Low migration plasticizerTOTMMedical instruments
FDA plasticizerDOTPMedical applications
Co-stabilizerEpoxidized Soybean Oil (ESBO)Captures HCl, supports stability
Optical brightenerOptical brightenerThe transparent tubing and IV line enhance the visual appeal of the finished product.

Process aids

FunctionChemical Additives ProductsSpecific application
Acrylic process aidPA-912It accelerates gelation and homogenizes the melt: this is what allows the blister's clarity to be achieved and supports the sheet during deep thermoforming.

Impact modification

FunctionChemical Additives ProductsSpecific application
MBS for crystalsLB-136, MB 875Blister pack and clear sheet: provide impact without compromising clarity, and are FDA approved for indirect food contact

Applicable regulations and certifications

RuleApplicable Chemical AdditivesRelevance
Free from alkylphenols (BPA, nonylphenol)MW-33, MW-11Medical device entry requirement
Suitable for medical and pharmaceutical useLOX-9808L, MW-11, MW-33Declared in the product data sheet
FDA 21 CFRMW-11, DOTP, LOX-9808L, RT-198Pharmaceutical packaging and components in contact
FDA — indirect food contactLB-136, MB 875Impact modifier for blister and foil
EN 71-3MW-33, DOTPWhen the device falls within the scope of regulated products
The finished device meets USP Class VI / ISO 10993 standards; we provide additives compatible with that formulation and manufacturer's documentation upon request.

Why buy your additives from Chemical Additives

Immediate availability in national warehouse. Alkylphenol-free, plasticizer-free and epoxidized stabilizers in stock for delivery within 24-72 hours in Mexico.

Partial lots or full container loads at preferential prices. We deliver in the quantity that suits your operation.

One-stop shop for your prescription medication. Resin, stabilizer, plasticizer, processing aid and epoxidization with a single supplier and single traceability.

Compliance documentation available upon request. Letters from the manufacturer to integrate into the technical file of your device.

Batch traceability. In a product that is graded once and audited afterwards, knowing which batch each kilo came from is not an extra.

Backup in crisis. If your usual supplier experiences delays or changes specifications without notice, we'll cover you with qualified material within days.

Common problems in medical PVC and how to fix them

“Zinc burn”: sudden color failure

An excess of zinc in the stabilizing system can cause a sudden and catastrophic degradation of the color, without prior warning during the process. RecommendationThe solution isn't to increase zinc, but to balance the entire system along with the soybean epoxidation. MW-33 and MW-11 are formulated for this balance. Contact us to review your dosage.

Radiation sterilization.

Anticipating it changes the choice of antioxidant. Recommendation: Define the appropriate antioxidant before qualifying, according to the sterilization method.

System too “dirty” for extractables.

Recommendation: work with alkylphenol-free stabilizers (MW-33, MW-11) and keep the package as simple as possible.

If you are qualifying a medical compound, write to us and we will review compatible additives.

Do you need an alkylphenol-free stabilizer for your medical device?

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Do you prefer the finished compound? Chemical Compounds offers compounds for medical devices. View portfolio.