The Trilliant HC line of engineered compounds being showcased at the COMPAMED show in Düsseldorf (Nov. 18-19) reflects the firm's efforts to focus on healthcare customers' performance needs in challenging medical applications.
The Trilliant HC portfolio specifically addresses performance characteristics within the context of healthcare application and regulatory requirements (USP Class VI, ISO 10993, FDA), and is produced in accordance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) for medical devices.
According to Stephen Schlegel, healthcare marketing manager, PolyOne Specialty Engineered Materials, in response to questions from PlasticsToday, "The technology platforms in the Trilliant HC portfolio were developed previously for a broad range of applications under several different brand names—Edgetek, Stat-Tech, Lubri-One, and Gravi-Tech, for example. But rather than newly marketing them for medical applications under the Trilliant HC brand, we have reformulated the compounds and the process steps so that we can provide a solution to healthcare customers’ critical requirements. The additional development includes using USP Class VI raw materials, FDA-compliant colorants and additives, processing according to cGMP standards, and formulation lockdown. These steps mean that Trilliant HC materials are formulated differently and carry a 'brand promise' that corresponding non-HC grades do not."
PolyOne says that among the critical performance areas targeted by the line are X-ray shielding and radiopacity (high-specific-gravity compounds for lead replacement in X-ray shielding and weight balancing for surgical equipment, along with production of radiopaque materials); structural performance (high strength and stiffness compounds for metal substitution); electrical conductivity (conductive and dissipative materials); thermal conductivity (insulating as well as conductive forms); high lubricity (reduction of force needed to move gears, pumps, switches, and buttons, and extension of device life); and flame retardance (available in various polymer systems, and in halogenated or non-halogenated forms).
Schlegel says that lots can be as small as 50 lb (22 kg). PolyOne Corp. (Avon, OH), is a provider of specialized polymer materials, services, and solutions with 2008 annual revenue of $2.7 billion. —[email protected]
