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MD&M West has increasingly become a showcase for plastics, with leading suppliers promoting new grades and additives specifically intended for use in the medical market. In addition to the requisite functionality of materials in medical, including the need for heat and chemical resistance, the materials have been designed to satisfy the myriad regulations and certifications that police the medical market. (Held Feb. 9-11 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA, MD&M is organized by Modern Plastics Worldwide's parent, Canon Communications LLC.)
Rigid vinyl molding compound Branching out from its flexible vinyl offerings, the Vinyl Division of Teknor Apex Co. (Pawtucket, RI) introduced a new gamma-stable rigid PVC injection molding compound. The company says the material provides the clarity and toughness required for tubing connectors, luer locks, valves, drip chambers, instrument handles, and similar medical components.
Apex RM 8001R-NT is a low-odor compound that reportedly retains initial clarity or color upon exposure to gamma irradiation in standard sterilization procedures. The material has been positioned as a lower-cost alternative to conventional engineering thermoplastics, particularly in small parts.
Materials target catheter tubing Clariant Masterbatches launched a new elastomer derivative polyether block amide (PEBA) and polyamide 11 and 12 tailored products for catheter tubing at MD&M West, saying the products combine functionality for each extruded layer of catheter tubing. In particular, Clariant says the products allow radiopaque enabling visualization even in thin wall sections by tailoring the density of the materials.
They also have alloys/blends for intermediate stiffness and modified performance, and the PEBA and PA11-, 12-based concentrates come in a standard or custom colors based on ingredients that are biologically evaluated against USP-VI part 87 & 88 and/or ISO10993. Functional surface engineering such as friction reduction and laser-marking activation are also possible. Clariant Masterbatches also now offers a range of Renol thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) color concentrates either in standard colors or ones tailored to customer requirements. Renol's ingredients have been biologically evaluated against USP VI (parts 87 and 88) standards, and in addition to color, Clariant can offer functionalities such as radiopacity.
Static-resistant compounds help products consistently dispense medicine
Medical ready elastomer range launched Identifying the sector as a strategic market going forward, Kraiburg TPE launched the Thermolast M suite of material for the medical and pharmaceutical industries at MD&M West (Anaheim, CA; Feb. 9-11). The Thermolast range uses polypropylene (PP), styrenic block copolymer (SBC), and additives that conform to medical standards. The MT series of elastomers within the family can withstand gamma, hot-steam, and ethylene oxide sterilization, and can bond to high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and PP. Hardness ranges from 30 to 70 Shore A. The MT/RS Series also withstands a range of sterilization techniques with good adhesion to HDPE and PP and a hardness of 35 Shore A. MT/HE adheres to PP with a hardness of 55 Shore A, while MT/CO and MT/CO/RS offer bonding to polycarbonate (PC) and PC/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Also available are MT/CR, MT/BP, and MT/SY, which adhere to polyolefins. Compared to EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber, Kraiburg says the Thermolast M range of elastomers have easier processing and shorter cycle times, with the possibility of two-shot or overmolding and translucence. Compared to silicone, Kraiburg says Thermolast is lower in cost, with shorter cycle time and the ability to run on standard injection molding equipment. At the same event, Kraiburg announced that it had entered into an agreement with Chase Plastics Services to distribute Thermolast compounds in North America. Chase, which operates more than 30 warehouses throughout North America, serves processors in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Central America.
PC combines high flow, easy mold release, and strong impact
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