Materials | technology ETPs
IPE introduces speciality products based on Solvay engineering thermoplastics
International Polymer Engineering (IPE), a US-based custom extruder of thermoplas- tic tubing and profiles, has introduced a new range of products based on materials from Solvay Specialty Polymers. The products include high-precision
microbore tubing, monofilaments and profiles, and are aimed at applications in the medical, aerospace, military and industrial sectors. IPE unveiled the new line at the Medical Design & Manufactur- ing (MD&M) West in February. IPE has seen growing demand for
extrusions made of high-performance thermoplastics due to their ease of manufacturing and strong property profile. In particular, the company has seen a major shift toward replacing metals and thermoset materials with advanced thermoplastics in medical applications, according to Jonathan Jurgaitis, melt extrusion manager for IPE. “It’s clear that these high-performance
materials have a strong track record, and the industry is familiar with them as a viable option for a range of applications,”
PBT Flame-retardant grades for optical fibre jackets
Evonik’s Vestodur grade for optical fibre jackets features excellent flame-retardant properties, yet is halogen-
free. Strict fire safety regulations
for cable material are increasingly the norm in calls
for tenders for public con- struction projects. This new halogen-free grade of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) for optical fibre jackets and wire bundles has high flame-retardant properties, says the company. Vestordur X9426 has a high
limiting oxygen index (LOI) and low smoke density, and any smoke gases emitted are of low toxicity. The extruded material is also extremely flexible, kink- and crush- resistant and has good
www.pipeandprofile.com
hydrolysis properties. Evonik offers a range of
Vestodur PBT and Vestamid polyamide 12 compounds for cable extrusion. These are used both for the safe and efficient protection of optical fibres and for wire insulation and cable protection tubing. The latest development in PA 12 is a material that meets the stringent HL3 require- ments for rail vehicles in accordance with standard EN 45545 – 2:2013. ❙
www.vestodur.com
March 2015 | PIPE & PROFILE EXTRUSION 41 IPE has also used other Solvay grades.
he said. “IPE has worked closely with Solvay to develop custom products that meet the requirements of demanding end-use applications.” IPE chose Solvay’s sulfone polymers
due to their high clarity, stiffness and steam sterilisability. Specifically, the company used Solvay’s Udel polysulfone (PSU) to fabricate 0.02in (0.5mm) mono- filaments, and Radel polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) to make 0.06in (1.5mm) and 0.11in (2.8mm) monofilaments. It also used Radel PPSU to make 0.50in (12.7mm) microbore tubing with outer diameter (OD) of 0.012in and inner diameter (ID) of 0.010in (0.3mm OD x 0.25mm ID).
For example, it fabricates microtubes from KetaSpire Peek resin that deliver greater strength and rigidity than PTFE microtubes, and are easier to work with compared to those made of stainless steel. These microtubes are used in medical applications such catheters, endoscopic working channels, and laparoscopic instruments. At the same time, it uses AvaSpire
Paek to extrude 0.06in (1.5mm) monofila- ments, and Torlon polyamide-imide (PAI) for 0.06in (1.5mm) monofilaments. PAI offers the highest strength and stiffness of any thermoplastic up to 275°C (527F), says the company.
Other monofilaments are made from PrimoSpire self-reinforced polyphenylene (SRP), while Halar ECTFE – a partially fluorinated, melt-processable polymer – is specified by IPE for 0.06in (1.5mm) monofilaments due to its high chemical resistance and lubricity. ❙
www.ipeweb.com ❙
www.solvayspecialtypolymers.com
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