DuPont will launch 10 new engineering polymers targeting the healthcare products and equipment market at the MD&M West exposition (Anaheim, CA; Feb. 8-11; organized by PlasticsToday and NewsFeed parent Canon Communications). DuPont's existing portfolio of engineering plastics and thermoplastic elastomers for medical devices, surgical devices, and diagnostic or pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment consists of numerous products including Hytrel TPC-ET, Delrin POM, Zytel nylon, Crastin PBT, and Zenite LCP.

DuPont reports that its healthcare offerings comply with food agency (FDA and EMSA), USP Class VI, and ISO 10993-5 and -11 regulations. Specialty healthcare products are manufactured following GMP (good manufacturing practices) and all products are available globally. Sixteen of the products are available as "special control" grades that meet very high standards of manufacturing consistency required of many non-implantable medical products, with 12 grades available in even more stringent "premium control" versions.

In particular, the company is promoting its Hytrel thermoplastic polyester elastomer as an alternative to other flexible materials, including plasticized PVC, conventional rubbers, and other TPEs. Potential uses include soft-touch/grip surfaces, valves, seals, springs, shock absorbers, and tubing and noise management parts. Unlike flexible PVC, it contains no plasticizers, which are generating some regulatory and consumer concern. In addition, the company says Hytrel has higher resistance to disinfectants and other aggressive chemicals, as well as elevated temperatures than some alternative TPEs. Fully colorable, it is also well-suited for sterilization processes. —[email protected]