Proprietary process keeps fluoroelastomers friction down, forever

A process developed by plastics processor Minnesota Rubber and Plastics (Minneapolis, MN) should help expand the use of fluoroelastomers in applications such as endoscopic surgical instruments. During a post-curing process, the process is able to reduce parts’ friction, permanently, so that there is no need for coating of the parts nor must users be concerned about coatings being stripped away during repeated autoclaving or sterilization.

Surgeons handling medical devices such as endoscopic surgical instruments require the insertion and retraction of these through a seal to feel smooth and easy. The more the material adheres to the shaft of the instrument, the more force it will take to manipulate the instrument.

According to MR&P, its F-treat process provides a permanent low coefficient of friction (CoF) surface that will not dissipate with wear. F-treat modifies the CoF of the entire fluoroelastomer compound, not just the surface, so that if abrasion or wear occurs, a modified low-friction surface will always be present. The most dramatic improvement is seen with low-hardness, polymer-rich elastomers such as a 55 Shore A compound, reports MP&R. In answer to questions from MPW, the processor replied that the F-Treatment (F for fluoroelastomer) process is not patented but is proprietary and “would be very difficult to duplicate.”

The processor says application of parts processed from the treated material also is likely in nasal and liposuction canula (tubes inserted into the body). Typically for these applications and other applications requiring a low-friction surface, fluoroelastomers would be coated with molybdenum disulfide, graphite, silicone oil, or PTFE powder. Some are not medically acceptable, others wash off, and none lend themselves to repeated autoclaving. —[email protected]