Standard Guide for Evaluation of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Solids and Solutions for Biomedical Applications

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This guide is intended to aid device fabricators in the selection of proper commercially available polyurethane solids and solutions for their application.  
4.2 The polyurethanes covered by this guide may be thermoformed or solution cast into biomedical devices for use as surgical aids or for implantation as determined to be appropriate, based on supporting biocompatibility and physical test data.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers the evaluation of thermoplastic polyurethanes in both solid and solution form for biomedical applications. The polymers have been reacted to completion and require no further chemical processing.  
1.2 The tests and methods listed in this guide may be referenced in specifications containing minimum required values and tolerances for specific end-use products.  
1.3 Standard tests for biocompatibility are included to aid in the assessment of safe utilization in biomedical applications. Compliance with these criteria shall not be construed as an endorsement of implantability. Since many compositions, formulations, and forms of thermoplastic polyurethanes in solid and solution forms are within this material class, the formulator or fabricator must evaluate the biocompatibility of the specific composition or form in the intended use and after completion of all manufacturing processes including sterilization.  
1.4 Purchase specifications may be prepared by agreement between the buyer and seller by selection of appropriate tests and methods from those listed applicable to the specific biomedical end use.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
28-Feb-2015
Drafting Committee
F04.11 - Polymeric Materials

Relations

Effective Date
01-Mar-2015
Effective Date
01-Mar-2024
Effective Date
15-Nov-2023
Effective Date
15-Nov-2023
Effective Date
01-Jan-2020
Effective Date
01-Jul-2017
Effective Date
01-Mar-2017
Effective Date
01-Apr-2016
Effective Date
01-Dec-2015
Effective Date
01-Dec-2015
Effective Date
01-May-2015
Effective Date
15-Oct-2014
Effective Date
01-Nov-2013
Effective Date
01-Aug-2013
Effective Date
15-Dec-2012

Overview

ASTM F624-09(2015)e1: Standard Guide for Evaluation of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Solids and Solutions for Biomedical Applications provides a comprehensive framework for selecting and evaluating thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) intended for biomedical use. This standard is designed to assist device manufacturers and material suppliers in determining the suitability of commercially available polyurethane formulations, whether in solid or solution form, for medical applications such as surgical aids or potential implantables.

By outlining essential evaluation procedures, the guide supports the safe and effective development of medical devices, ensuring that critical attributes such as biocompatibility and physical performance are thoroughly assessed.

Key Topics

  • Material Evaluation: Guidelines for assessing thermoplastic polyurethane solids and solutions, focusing on their chemical, physical, and biological properties.
  • Biocompatibility Assessment: Inclusion of standard biocompatibility testing aligned with practices such as ASTM F748 and ISO 10993, to support the safe use of TPUs in contact with bodily tissues.
  • Physical and Mechanical Testing: Recommendations for tests including tensile strength, elongation, flexural strength, hardness, compression set, and abrasion resistance to determine material performance.
  • Chemical Analysis: Procedures for verifying composition, isocyanate group content, solution viscosity, and identification via infrared spectroscopy.
  • Processing Guidance: Directions for preparation, drying, and fabrication-including injection molding, extrusion, or thermoforming-ensuring consistent properties in the finished device.
  • Packaging and Labeling: Recommendations to maintain material integrity during storage and handling.

Applications

Thermoplastic polyurethanes evaluated under ASTM F624-09(2015)e1 are widely used in various biomedical applications due to their flexibility, durability, and potential for biocompatibility. This standard helps manufacturers to:

  • Select Materials for Surgical Aids: Determine appropriate polyurethane grades for products such as catheters, tubing, surgical sheaths, and other disposable medical devices.
  • Evaluate Solutions for Implantable Devices: Assess the suitability of solution-cast TPUs for applications where long-term tissue contact or implantability is required, subject to additional testing and regulatory review.
  • Establish Purchase Specifications: Provide a basis for agreements between buyers and suppliers, allowing the selection of relevant tests and minimum property requirements tuned to specific device needs.
  • Control Manufacturing Quality: Enable the consistent production of medical components by recommending standardized testing methods after all processing, including sterilization.

Related Standards

Several standards are referenced within ASTM F624-09(2015)e1 to support comprehensive evaluation of TPU materials for biomedical use:

  • ASTM F748: Practice for selecting generic biological test methods for materials and devices.
  • ISO 10993: Guidance on biological evaluation of medical devices regarding biocompatibility testing.
  • ASTM D412: Test Methods for tension properties of thermoplastic elastomers and vulcanized rubber.
  • ASTM D2240: Determination of durometer hardness.
  • ASTM D570, D575, D790, D792, D1238, D1434, D1544, D2990, D3137, D3418, E96/E96M: Additional methods for evaluating water absorption, compression, flexural properties, specific gravity, melt flow, gas permeability, color, creep, hydrolytic stability, thermal analysis, and water vapor transmission.

By integrating these well-established testing protocols, ASTM F624 ensures thorough evaluation and helps support regulatory compliance and product reliability in the demanding field of biomedical device manufacturing.

Keywords: thermoplastic polyurethane, biomedical applications, biocompatibility, medical device materials, physical testing, ASTM F624, solution-cast polyurethane, implantable polymers, medical grade TPU, material selection for medical devices.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM F624-09(2015)e1 is a guide published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Guide for Evaluation of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Solids and Solutions for Biomedical Applications". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This guide is intended to aid device fabricators in the selection of proper commercially available polyurethane solids and solutions for their application. 4.2 The polyurethanes covered by this guide may be thermoformed or solution cast into biomedical devices for use as surgical aids or for implantation as determined to be appropriate, based on supporting biocompatibility and physical test data. SCOPE 1.1 This guide covers the evaluation of thermoplastic polyurethanes in both solid and solution form for biomedical applications. The polymers have been reacted to completion and require no further chemical processing. 1.2 The tests and methods listed in this guide may be referenced in specifications containing minimum required values and tolerances for specific end-use products. 1.3 Standard tests for biocompatibility are included to aid in the assessment of safe utilization in biomedical applications. Compliance with these criteria shall not be construed as an endorsement of implantability. Since many compositions, formulations, and forms of thermoplastic polyurethanes in solid and solution forms are within this material class, the formulator or fabricator must evaluate the biocompatibility of the specific composition or form in the intended use and after completion of all manufacturing processes including sterilization. 1.4 Purchase specifications may be prepared by agreement between the buyer and seller by selection of appropriate tests and methods from those listed applicable to the specific biomedical end use. 1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This guide is intended to aid device fabricators in the selection of proper commercially available polyurethane solids and solutions for their application. 4.2 The polyurethanes covered by this guide may be thermoformed or solution cast into biomedical devices for use as surgical aids or for implantation as determined to be appropriate, based on supporting biocompatibility and physical test data. SCOPE 1.1 This guide covers the evaluation of thermoplastic polyurethanes in both solid and solution form for biomedical applications. The polymers have been reacted to completion and require no further chemical processing. 1.2 The tests and methods listed in this guide may be referenced in specifications containing minimum required values and tolerances for specific end-use products. 1.3 Standard tests for biocompatibility are included to aid in the assessment of safe utilization in biomedical applications. Compliance with these criteria shall not be construed as an endorsement of implantability. Since many compositions, formulations, and forms of thermoplastic polyurethanes in solid and solution forms are within this material class, the formulator or fabricator must evaluate the biocompatibility of the specific composition or form in the intended use and after completion of all manufacturing processes including sterilization. 1.4 Purchase specifications may be prepared by agreement between the buyer and seller by selection of appropriate tests and methods from those listed applicable to the specific biomedical end use. 1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

ASTM F624-09(2015)e1 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 11.100.99 - Other standards related to laboratory medicine; 83.080.20 - Thermoplastic materials. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM F624-09(2015)e1 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM F624-09, ASTM E96/E96M-24, ASTM E96/E96M-23, ASTM D1238-23a, ASTM D149-20, ASTM D790-17, ASTM D2990-17, ASTM F748-16, ASTM D790-15, ASTM D790-15e1, ASTM E96/E96M-15, ASTM E96/E96M-14, ASTM E96/E96M-13, ASTM D1238-13, ASTM E96/E96M-12. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM F624-09(2015)e1 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
´1
Designation: F624 − 09 (Reapproved 2015)
Standard Guide for
Evaluation of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Solids and
Solutions for Biomedical Applications
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationF624;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyearoforiginal
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
ε NOTE—Section 1.2 was editorially corrected in May 2015.
1. Scope D149 Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and
DielectricStrengthofSolidElectricalInsulatingMaterials
1.1 This guide covers the evaluation of thermoplastic poly-
at Commercial Power Frequencies
urethanes in both solid and solution form for biomedical
D150 Test Methods forAC Loss Characteristics and Permit-
applications. The polymers have been reacted to completion
tivity (Dielectric Constant) of Solid Electrical Insulation
and require no further chemical processing.
D257 Test Methods for DC Resistance or Conductance of
1.2 The tests and methods listed in this guide may be
Insulating Materials
referenced in specifications containing minimum required
D395 Test Methods for Rubber Property—Compression Set
values and tolerances for specific end-use products.
D412 Test Methods forVulcanized Rubber andThermoplas-
1.3 Standard tests for biocompatibility are included to aid in tic Elastomers—Tension
the assessment of safe utilization in biomedical applications. D570 Test Method for Water Absorption of Plastics
D575 Test Methods for Rubber Properties in Compression
Compliance with these criteria shall not be construed as an
endorsement of implantability. Since many compositions, D671 Test Method for Flexural Fatigue of Plastics by
Constant-Amplitude-of-Force (Withdrawn 2002)
formulations, and forms of thermoplastic polyurethanes in
solid and solution forms are within this material class, the D790 Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced
and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materi-
formulator or fabricator must evaluate the biocompatibility of
the specific composition or form in the intended use and after als
D792 Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Rela-
completion of all manufacturing processes including steriliza-
tion. tive Density) of Plastics by Displacement
D1238 Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics
1.4 Purchase specifications may be prepared by agreement
by Extrusion Plastometer
between the buyer and seller by selection of appropriate tests
D1242 Test Methods for Resistance of Plastic Materials to
and methods from those listed applicable to the specific
Abrasion (Withdrawn 2003)
biomedical end use.
D1434 TestMethodforDeterminingGasPermeabilityChar-
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
acteristics of Plastic Film and Sheeting
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
D1544 Test Method for Color of Transparent Liquids (Gard-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ner Color Scale)
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
D1638 Methods of Testing Urethane Foam Isocyanate Raw
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3
Materials (Withdrawn 1989)
D2124 Test Method forAnalysis of Components in Poly(Vi-
2. Referenced Documents
nyl Chloride) Compounds Using an Infrared Spectropho-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
tometric Technique
D2240 Test Method for Rubber Property—Durometer Hard-
ness
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F04 on Medical and
Surgical Materials and Devices and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D2857 Practice for Dilute Solution Viscosity of Polymers
F04.11 on Polymeric Materials.
D2990 Test Methods for Tensile, Compressive, and Flexural
Current edition approved March 1, 2015. Published May 2015. Originally
Creep and Creep-Rupture of Plastics
approved in 1981. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as F624 – 09. DOI:
10.1520/F0624-09R15E01.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
´1
F624 − 09 (2015)
D3137 Test Method for Rubber Property—Hydrolytic Sta- 5.2 DifunctionalDiisocyanates—Difunctionaldiisocyanates
bility that can be used are:
D3418 Test Method for Transition Temperatures and En- 5.2.1 Diphenylmethane 4,4-diisocyanate (MDI).
thalpies of Fusion and Crystallization of Polymers by 5.2.2 2,4-tolylene diisocyanate (TDI).
Differential Scanning Calorimetry 5.2.3 1,5-naphthalene diisocyanate.
E96/E96M Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of 5.2.4 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI).
Materials
5.3 Chain Extenders—Chain extenders that can be used are:
F748 PracticeforSelectingGenericBiologicalTestMethods
5.3.1 Water.
for Materials and Devices
5.3.2 Glycols.
2.2 ISO Standard:
5.3.3 Aliphatic and aromatic diamines.
ISO 10993 Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices
5.4 Chain-Terminating Agents—Chain-terminating agents
suitable for use are:
3. Terminology
5.4.1 Monofunctional alcohols, such as methanol or etha-
3.1 Definitions:
nol.
3.1.1 chain extender—(1) an active hydrogen containing a
5.4.2 Monofunctional amines, such as dibutylamine or di-
compound such as a diol or diamine used to increase the
ethylamine.
molecular weight of an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer by
5.5 Catalysts—Stannous octoate is suitable for prepolymer
chemical reaction; (2) a diisocyanate used to extend a polyol-
preparation.
terminated polyurethane by chemical reaction.
5.6 Optional Additives:
3.1.2 chain terminating agent—an active hydrogen contain-
5.6.1 Pigments and dyes, such as titanium dioxide and
ing a compound such as a monofunctional alcohol, amine, or
copper phthalocyanine blue.
acid that reacts with the isocyanate group of a prepolymer to
5.6.2 Radiopaque materials, such as barium sulfate.
prevent further chain growth.
5.6.3 Antiblocking agents and lubricants, such as natural
3.1.3 linear polyurethane—a polymer whose backbone con-
and synthetic waxes.
sists of urethane groups joined by hydrocarbon chains with
5.6.4 Optical brighteners, antioxidants, and light and heat
little or no crosslinking.
stabilizers.
3.1.4 segmented polyurethane—A family of polymers in
5.6.5 The basic polymer bought may contain, as agreed
which ester or ether groups, connected by hydrocarbon chains,
upon between the purchaser and supplier, optional adjunct
occur as blocks that are coupled by urethane and urea groups.
substances required in the production of the polymer or
3.1.5 thermoplastic polyurethane—linear or segmented intended end use product, provided these substances are in
polyurethanes that can be melted for
...

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