Pebax
Pebax is a medical-grade thermoplastic elastomer that is light-weight, soft and flexible, with kinking resistance and the ability to be compounded with radiopaque fillers
What is Pebax?
Pebax® is a medical-grade thermoplastic elastomer that is light-weight, soft and flexible, with kinking resistance and the ability to be compounded with radiopaque fillers. It can be used in co-extrusion with polyurethanes. The SA grades comply with USP class VI for biocompatibility. It has better low temperature properties and higher elongation at break than other thermoplastic elastomers (TPE).
We extrude Pebax for single-lumen, multi-lumen, bump and co-extruded medical tubing. See how it compares with the other grades on our nylon tubing page, or ask us which nylon suits your device.
Pebax tubing and Pebax extrusion
Pebax® is one of the most common materials in catheter shafts because it comes in such a wide hardness range, from 25D to 72D on our datasheet, so one family can run from a soft tip to a stiff body. We extrude Pebax tubing as single-lumen, multi-lumen and bump tubing, and co-extrude it with polyurethanes. Pebax is also one of the materials we use for our thinnest walls, held consistently at 12.5 microns (0.0005 inch).
Pebax questions, answered
What is the melting point of Pebax?
Typical melting points for Pebax grades on our datasheet are 272°F (133°C) to 345°F (174°C).
What is the tensile strength of Pebax?
Tensile strength at break for Pebax runs 4,210 psi (29 MPa) to 8,990 psi (62 MPa), with elongation at break of 360% to 790%.
What is the density of Pebax?
Pebax has a specific gravity of 0.0365 lb./in.3 (1.01 g/cc) to 0.0368 lb./in.3 (1.02 g/cc), which corresponds to a density of about 1.01 to 1.02 g/cm³.
How hard is Pebax?
On our datasheet, Pebax grades measure Shore A 75 to 83 and Shore D 25 to 72.
How can Pebax tubing be sterilized?
Depending on grade, Pebax is compatible with ethylene oxide (EtO), gamma radiation and steam. Confirm the method for your specific grade with the resin supplier.
Does Microspec extrude Pebax tubing?
Yes. We extrude Pebax into custom medical tubing, including multi-lumen, bump and co-extruded designs. Send us your print or call 603.924.4300 for a quote.
Pebax properties
| Property | Measure low | Measure high |
|---|---|---|
| Specific gravity | 0.0365 lb./in.3 (1.01 g/cc) | 0.0368 lb./in.3 (1.02 g/cc) |
| Melting point | 272°F (133°C) | 345°F (174°C) |
| Glass transition temperature | Not applicable | |
| Tensile strength at break | 4,210 psi (29 MPa) | 8,990 psi (62 MPa) |
| Elongation at break | 360% | 790% |
| Hardness durometer (Shore A) | 75 | 83 |
| Hardness durometer (Shore D) | 25 | 72 |
| Water absorption @ 24 hours | 0.9% | 1.2% |
This material datasheet is presented for reference only. Characteristics and performance may vary for a specific application and environment. Confirm material selection and suitability against your own requirements and the resin supplier's documentation.
Sterilization
- Ethylene oxide (EtO) Gamma radiation Steam
Extruding Pebax for your device?
Send us your specs, or just describe the problem. A member of our team will follow up personally to walk through tolerances, materials and schedule.
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Have full drawings and tolerances? Use our detailed request form.