In recent years, the global development of thermoplastic elastomer materials has been on a rapid rise. More and more medical equipment manufacturers tend to choose thermoplastic elastomer materials in their production for products that require flexibility or rubber elasticity. The applition of thermoplastic elastomer materials in the medical industry has become one of the highlights.
Reasons why TPE materials are used in the medical industry
The versatility of TPE is one of the reasons why it is used in the medical industry. The current TPE materials on the market can meet many requirements of the end use, and for any particular application category, TPE material suppliers can provide two or more chemically different TPE categories. Categories.
The characteristics of TPE are widely selected, and the hardness can range from super soft or gelatinous to semi-rigid materials; the optical properties can range from transparent to opaque.TPE products have different grades to meet the requirements of strength, low temperature toughness, thermal stability, chemical resistance and UV resistance.In addition, there are many processing methods for TPE. It can be processed and produced in different ways such as injection molding or blow molding, multi-material insert molding, extrusion or co-extrusion. Films, sheets, profiles or pipes can be produced.
The chemically inert or "clean" composition of TPE is also ideal for medical applications.Medical grade TPE is made from raw materials that meet FDA standards and does not contain phthalates and latex protein.In addition, the TPE material itself does not contain extractable or leachable substances, even when in contact with a water-based system (such as a liquid).
Thermoplastic elastomer materials VS traditional materials in the medical industry
no.1PVC
The use of PVC in the medical device industry has gradually been abandoned, mainly because they generally contain phthalate plasticizers, which will produce dioxins and other substances during incineration and cause harm to the human body and the environment.Although there are also phthalate-free PVC compounds that can be used in the medical industry, the service life cycle of PVC itself is still a problem, making manufacturers more willing to choose other alternative materials.
no.2 latex
The problem with latex lies in the fact that users may be allergic to protein, as well as the industry's concerns about the content and odor of the curable and leachable substances of latex itself.Another factor is economy: processing rubber is more laborious than processing TPE, and the processing waste of TPE products can be recycled.
no.3 silicone rubber
Often many products that use silicone rubber do not require its high heat resistance or low compression deformation at high temperatures.Silicone certainly has its advantages, including the ability to withstand multiple sterilization cycles, but for some products, TPE is a more cost-effective alternative.In many cases, they provide an improvement over silicone.Typical applications where TPE can be used instead of silicone resin are drainage pipes, bags, pump pipes, mask gaskets, seals, etc.
Application of thermoplastic elastomer materials in the medical industry
no.1TPE tourniquet
TPE tourniquet material is a new type of environmentally friendly material based on thermoplastic styrene-butadiene rubber. The main components are SEBS, PP and white oil.