MD&M highlights medical materials

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

SABIC Innovative Plastics has added three grades to its family of high-performance LNP Stat-Loy specialty compounds, including anti-static compounds for inhalation devices. The transparent materials provide permanent anti-static properties and eliminate the need for secondary operations, while helping ensure repeatability of dosing and potentially lower drug costs through more-efficient aerosol and powder dispensing. At MD&M West (Feb. 9-11; Anaheim, CA), Tom O'Brien, product marketing manager healthcare at SABIC showcased the compounds in an inhaler spacer and a pill sorter. The grades have also been pre-assessed for biocompatibility according to ISO 10993 to expedite compliance.

Static electricity can hinder inhalation devices when tiny drug particles build up an electrostatic charge and adhere to the device instead of being dispensed to the patient. The compounds are available in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS); polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)/acrylic; and Xylex resin, a polycarbonate (PC)/polyester alloy. SABIC said the superior clarity of these compounds ensures excellent visibility of device contents as well as attractive aesthetics. The can also be available in opaque resins like polyamide 6, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyoxymethylene (POM), and polypropylene (PP).

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

Saying the material is robust and transparent, but also provides improved flow, lubricity, and easy-release characteristics, Bayer MaterialScience LLC (Pittsburgh, PA) has created a new low-viscosity polycarbonate (PC) with an enhanced internal mold release technology that allows for increased design flexibility in complicated parts. The Makrolon Rx1851 PC is used by Safety Syringes Inc. to injection mold its UltraSafe Passive Needle Guards. A single-use, anti-needle-stick device for pre-filled injectable syringes, the product features two telescoping plastic components and a spring.

The medical grade resin is available in clear tint as well as Bayer's Rx Medical colors, which pass U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-Modified ISO 10993, Part 1, Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices tests.

Kevin Dunay, Bayer's consumer and medical market segment leader, PC NAFTA, told MPW that the new grade required a balance of properties, offering enhanced flow and release, as well as good impact resistance. The material has a melt-flow rate of 24, allowing for thin walls and high cavitiation. —[email protected]