– To help medical device manufacturers develop ways to address healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), PolyOne is launching two new medical-grade GLS™ TPE products here at MD&M West (Booth #848). New Versaflex™ HC overmolding thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) for medical device housings offer enhanced resistance to commonly used antiseptic cleaners. They also feature excellent bonding to plastics with improved chemical resistance, such as rigid PVC, co-polyesters, PC/polyethylene terephthalate, rigid thermoplastic urethanes and polyetherimide, many of which are now replacing traditional substrate materials.

INDUSTRY BULLETIN DISPERSIONS IN HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION TYPICAL APPLICATIONS Silicone Colorant Dispersions Biocompatible, conformable silicone rubber colorants that deliver lightfastness and aesthetic appeal • 3D medical silicone printing • Anatomical models and surgical guides • External prosthetics and orthotics • Wearable medical devices • Medical ventilation/respiratory masks • Dental and medical tools and equipment • Catheters and tubing • Medical adhesives Silicone Additive Dispersions Silicone additive solutions formulated to provide chemical resistance, durability, and enhanced physical properties Rubber Colorant Dispersions Durable rubber colorants formulated for optimal dispersion and lot-to-lot consistency to promote ease of handling • Medical devices and tools • Vibration and shock control for medical equipment • Drug delivery devices Urethane Colorant Dispersions Versatile urethane colorants that streamline production and enhance quality • Medical packaging • Foam enclosures/support for medical tools and equipment • Medical and surgical devices • Physical therapy tools Epoxy Colorant Dispersions Long-lasting, hygienic epoxy colorants that provide high-cost efficiency, stability, and customization opportunities • Medical adhesives • Healthcare facility floor coatings Vinyl Colorant Dispersions Vinyl colorants developed for applications where dispersion, uniformity, compatibility, and cleanliness are essential • Catheters and tubing • Medical equipment Aqueous Additive Formulations Functional additives stabilized, suspended, and dispersed in water that shorten development cycles, streamline operations, and can be customized to meet specific requirements • Medical gloves • Wound care Electrically Conductive Additives for Silicone Innovative silicone additives to provide high conductivity and lower filler loadings • Wearable medical devices • Neurostimulation electrode pads • Medical tools and equipment Laser Marking Additives for Silicone Dispersions containing laser absorbers and color formers that eliminate the need for secondary etching while promoting chemical resistance, mechanical property retention, and production efficiency • Medical packaging • 3D medical silicone printing • Anatomical models and surgical guides • External prosthetics and orthotics • Medical ventilation/respiratory masks • Medical devices Surface Modification Additives for Silicone Non-oil based silicone additives that reduce tackiness and enhance smoothness of the cured compound • Catheters and tubing • Dental tools and equipment • Medical adhesives • Medical devices, tools, and equipment Self-Bonding Silicone Silicone compounds able to bond to various substrates without prime coating • Medical tools and equipment • Wearable medical devices • Medical packaging This listing represents standard Avient dispersion technologies and addresses common healthcare applications, but we can work with you to explore additional options. Medical devices and equipment are at the forefront of this change, with innovations in diagnostic tools, surgical systems, and wearable health monitors reshaping patient care. However, they can also introduce new challenges in developing the high-performing and cost-effective products needed to help doctors and medical practitioners deliver treatments that will improve patient outcomes.

Medical Grade Colorants and Additives for Wearable Medical Devices Discover more about Avient medical grade colorant and additives for wearable medical devices. PTFE Catheter Tubing

Medical Grade Colorants and Additives for Wearable Medical Devices Discover more about Avient medical grade colorant and additives for wearable medical devices. PTFE Catheter Tubing

You may hear people talk about TPVs (thermoplastic vulcanizates) or TPUs (thermoplastic polyurethane) instead of TPEs. What are medical grade TPEs? Medical tubing made from TPE is likewise formulated from a medical grade that withstands various fluids without degrading.

Medical Grade Colorants and Additives for Wearable Medical Devices Discover more about Avient medical grade colorant and additives for wearable medical devices. PTFE Catheter Tubing

Temperature, time, dew point setting, minimum and maximum moisture guidelines for Polypropylene (PP), Rigid Thermoplastic Polyurethane (ETPU),  Nylon 6 (PA6), Nylon 66 (PA66), Polyketone (PK), Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS), Polyphthalamide (PPA), Polyetherimide (PEI), Polyethersulfone (PES), and Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) 

Avient Launches Non-PFAS Process Aid for Extrusion Applications at NPE 2024 Avient launches new Cesa™ Non-PFAS Process Aid for PE and PP extrusion applications at NPE 2024, enabling processing performance, productivity, and Avient Pioneers New PTFE-Free LubriOne™ Internally Lubricated Formulations at Chinaplas 2024

For these reasons, medical devices and pharmaceutical packaging products are typically made with standard polymers (e.g., polyolefins, polyesters) and engineering plastics (e.g., polycarbonate, ABS, POM, PBT). They are drop-in solutions that can be used just like fossil fuel-based polymer solutions during the injection molding, blow molding or extrusion process.

Cesa™ Non-PFAS Process Aid for Extrusion NEUSoft™ Thermoplastic Polyurethanes Polymer Jacket Extrusion