Zinc plating compatibility with Ethylene Oxide

Is a zinc plated steel part (medical device component, non invasive) compatible/corrosion resistant with an ethylene oxide sterilization cycle? Any residual contaminates on surface after EtO exposure?

David Gregoire
- San Juan Capistrano, California

Just a guess, but a chromate conversion coated zinc deposit over steel will eventually corrode in a normal humid atmosphere, so sterilizing with heat/moisture/oxidizer does not sound like a good idea. I don't think that finish is a good choice for sterilization.

Tom Pullizzi
Falls Township, Pennsylvania

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