Definition: One in every 25 patients has at least one hospital associated infection. One in every four of these is related to a medical device, such as indwelling cathters. Antimicrobial additives, such as ionic silver, can be added to medical plastics to prevent or reduce the infection from these devices. Purpose: Provide an understanding of the causes […]
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Definition: Animal Derived Materials (ADMs) include any substance derived from the body of any animal, including fat, flesh, blood, milk and eggs. ADMs are used in polymers to stabilize formulations, enhance properties and aid in processing. Recent medical device regulatory trends have increased demand for polymers free of ADMs. Purpose: Provide an understanding of Animal Derived Materials
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Definition: ProPell™ low friction compounds use non-migratory additives to enhance the surface of polymer components and reduce friction. This technology is particularly beneficial in soft polymers, such as polyurethanes, which are inherently tacky and have high frictional properties. ProPell™ polymer compounds are USP Class VI compatible and well suited for extrusion and injection molding of medical
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Definition: Bioresorbable polymers are inherently biocompatible, yet hydrolytically unstable. This allows for applications in temporary implants that are intended to be absorbed and metabolized by the body. A range of physical and degradation properties allows these polymers to be used for applications that include orthopedic fixation, vascular stents, tissue engineering and controlled drug delivery. Common bioresorbable
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Definition: Nano clay particles can be added to medical plastics in low loadings to improve rigidity while preserving elongation and surface finish. This is advantageous in thin wall applications, such as catheters which require improved rigidity for pushability. These non-organic, platelet-shaped particles can also improve barrier, thermo-mechanical, flame resistance and processing properties of medical polymers. Purpose: Provide
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Definition: The three primary methods for sterilizating medical devices include radiation, ethylene oxide and steam. Device type, quantity to be sterilized and packaging are a few considerations for selecting the appropriate method. Polymers used in the device components must also be considered, since some can degrade or diminish in functionality from the sterilization process. Purpose: Provide an
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Definition: Thermoplastics play a critical role in modern medical devices. Amorphous and crystalline thermoplastics offer distinct performance properties. Within these categories are a variety of specific polymers suitable for a wide range of device components. Purpose: An overview of amorphous and crystalline thermoplastics, along with specific examples and attributes for each category. View Presentation
Overview of Medical Polymers Read More »
Definition: Pre-color compounds and color concentrates for medical applications are most commonly manufactured using two categories of color additives: FDA Food Contact Pigments, and FDA Medical Device Pigments. The selection of one pigment classification over the other may affect the FDA approval process for medical devices. Purpose: Selection of pigments suitable for medical device plastics View Presentation
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Definition: Upgrading or adding value of polymers or polymer systems through melt blending & mixing of additives into a polymer matrix or melt mixing two or more polymers together to make an alloy Purpose: Tailor properties to satisfy a specific applications requirements View Presentation
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