Effect of beta-based sterilization on P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) terpolymer for medical applications

Electroactive polymers (EAP) are one of the latest generations of flexible actuators, enabling new approaches to propulsion and maneuverability. Among them, poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorofluoroethylene/chlorotrifluoroethylene), abbreviated terpolymer, with its multifunctional sensing and actuating abilities as well as its impressive electrostrictive behavior, especially when being doped with an plasticizer, has been demonstrated to be a good candidate for the development of low-cost flexible guidewire tip for endovascular surgery. To minimize the possibility of bacterial, fungal, or viral disease transmission, all medical instruments (especially components made from polymers) must be sterilized before introduction into the patient. Gamma/beta (γ/β) irradiation is considered to be one of the most efficient techniques for targeted reduction of microbials and viruses under low temperature, often without drastic alterations in device properties. However, radiation may cause some physical and chemical changes in polymers. A compromise is required to ensure sufficient radiation for microbial deactivation but minimal radiation to retain the material’s properties. The main idea of this study aims at assessing the electromechanical performances and thermal/dielectric properties of β-irradiated terpolymer-based sterilization treatment. Ionizing β-rays did not cause any significant risk to the neat/plasticized terpolymers, confirming the reliability of such electrostrictive materials for medical device development.