MATERIALS | MEDICAL
Above: Evonik has developed a highly transparent polyamide based on new monomers suitable for medical applications
along with bumps, drops and daily wear and tear. Evonik has introduced a bioresorbable portfolio
of PLA-PEG copolymers for use in implantable medical device applications. The company says that the range expands its ability to help medical device customers enhance the safety, biocompat- ibility and performance of their implantable products, and further strengthens its growth in the health and care market. Resomer PLA-PEG copoly- mers combine the hydrophobic properties of PLA materials with the hydrophilic properties of PEG. As triblock copolymers, the portfolio can replicate the mechanical strength of standard Resomer poly- mers but enables degradation rates up to six times faster. This combination of strength and rapid degradation allows medical device companies to develop a new class of bioresorbable implant devices for use across application areas, such as wound closure and paediatrics, that better match the natural healing process of the patient. Four Resomer PLA-PEG grades with degradation
rates of between six and 12 months or less have been developed within the standard Resomer catalogue. A range of customisation options are also available under Resomer Select. They are claimed to be easy-to-process, compatible with all relevant technologies, and provide long-term stability. Evonik has also developed a highly transparent polyamide based on new monomers, which combines a relatively high heat deflection tempera- ture with good mechanical properties and low water uptake. Trogamid HT is ideally suited for high-end ATEX applications in the higher tempera- ture range for a range of applications, including medical technology. The company says that in the past it has been difficult to develop certain indus- trial applications for transparent polyamides due to their inadequate high-temperature resistance. However, Trogamid HT has a glass transition temperature of 172°C, which is 30°C above that for comparable Trogamid products and therefore ensures high heat resistance. A water uptake of
44 INJECTION WORLD | January/February 2020
lower than 2% provides good dimensional stability and the low density of 0.98g/cm³ helps save weight. The material also offers good chemical resistance, high static and dynamic load capacity and wear resistance, high impact resistance, good weathering resistance and scratch resistance. SABIC has introduced a new range of PC copolymer resins featuring the chemical resistance needed to enhance the durability and resilience of medical devices and equipment housings. The company says that its copolymer technology can help prevent premature part failure from environ- mental stress cracking due to increasingly aggres- sive disinfectants, such as alcohols, peroxides and quaternary ammonium compounds, used to prevent hospital-acquired infections. The new portfolio includes amorphous and semi-crystalline materials that can serve as potential drop-in solutions in existing production tooling. Udel PSU from Solvay has been used by
Nordson Medical to develop its Spaulding Series Aseptic Disconnects for pharmaceutical and bioprocessing. Udel P-1700 polysulphone (PSU) was chosen for the new series of bioprocess fittings due to its biocompatibility, transparency, strength and rigidity, broad temperature range and compat- ibility with gamma radiation (up to 50 kGy) and steam sterilisation. Solvay says that Udel P-1700 PSU readily withstands the required operating temperature range of -40°C to 138°C (-40°F to 280°F), enabling the aseptic disconnects to be used in cryogenic conditions and be steam sterilised. The material’s transparency allows processors to observe the flow of liquid through the connectors, and its combination of high heat resistance and hydrolytic stability provide an important stress cracking advantage over PC. Udel P-1700 PSU is animal-derived-component-free, and it meets USP Class IV requirements for biocompat- ibility. In addition, components can be moulded to tight tolerances with minimal flash and scrap. Kraiburg TPE has introduced VDI 2017-compli-
ant Thermolast M compounds for TPE/PA compos- ite applications. The company says the MC/AD/PA Thermolast M series are the first thermoplastic elastomers that not only hold certifications for healthcare applications in accordance with EU and FDA standards, but can also be combined directly with polyamides. According to Kraiburg TPE, as international
regulations for medical-grade plastics (MGP) have become stricter, manufacturers of products for medical devices and healthcare are increasingly looking for opportunities to strengthen their competi- tive edge by solutions that both comply with the
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IMAGE: EVONIK
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