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New range of TPEs positioned as PVC busters in medicalNew range of TPEs positioned as PVC busters in medical
Introduced at last week’s Medtec China tradeshow was a range of thermoplastic elastomers that are being marketed as a "low-extractable, eco-conscious" choice for medical tubing and other applications. Supplied by the GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers business unit of PolyOne, the Versaflex HC portfolio offers grades suitable for processing as medical tubing, gaskets, stoppers, for sheet extrusion, and for blowmolding applications.
PlasticsToday Staff
September 14, 2009
1 Min Read
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Introduced at last week’s Medtec China tradeshow was a range of thermoplastic elastomers that are being marketed as a "low-extractable, eco-conscious" choice for medical tubing and other applications. Supplied by the GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers business unit of PolyOne, the Versaflex HC portfolio offers grades suitable for processing as medical tubing, gaskets, stoppers, for sheet extrusion, and for blowmolding applications. The materials within the range are compliant with USP Class VI, ISO 10993-4 and ISO 10993-5.
"Current concerns over phthalate-based plasticizers and other additives such as halogens have prompted customers to investigate alternatives," said Joe Kutka, technology launch manager, PolyOne, GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers, in a statement. Plasticizers are used to make rigid plastics soft, for instance with polyvinyl chloride to extrude it as medical tubing or for PVC sheet converted into blood bags.
The Versaflex materials can be custom formulated to meet specific requirements for feel, modulus, hardness and tactile properties.
Of course, not all medical device manufacturers will switch from PVC, which has decades of proven performance and a relatively low price point. PolyOne, via its Geon division, is able to capitalize on that as Geon offers a broad range of PVC compounds for medical applications, including PVC compounds that do not contain phthalate plasticizers. —[email protected]
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