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Arkema launches MED polymer for minimal invasive devices

16 Feb '13

3 min read

Arkema launches its new hydrophilic Pebax MV1074 SA 01 MED polymer for medical applications at this week's MD&M West show in Anaheim, CA, and at the upcoming MedTech Europe in Stuttgart, Germany from 26-28 February 2013.

Hydrophilic Pebax MV1074 SA 01 MED polymer is suitable for use in minimally invasive devices that are exposed to bodily fluids for less than 30 days, such as surgical tubing. Pebax MV1074 SA 01 MED polyether block amide copolymer is USP VI certified and offers excellent high moisture absorption properties for device components in wet environments, such as catheters.

Most polymers used in minimally invasive surgical devices are hydrophobic and create friction against moist bodily tissue. Hydrophilic coatings are often applied to these polymer components to reduce friction and avoid tissue trauma, yet they add additional manufacturing steps and may provide more lubricity than necessary.

Hydrophilic Pebax MV 1074 SA 01 MED polymer absorbs up to 48% of moisture from the surrounding environment and forms hydrogen bonds that create a wet film on the component surface that enhance lubricity against bodily tissue. Comparatively, in the same conditions Pebax SA 01 MED copolymers commonly used for medical devices absorb only 1.2% moisture.

Pebax MV 1074 SA 01 MED is a flexible thermoplastic elastomer with a 40 Shore D hardness and 80 MPa (11,600 psi) flexural modulus. Ease of processing and melt compatibility with traditional polyether block amide and polymers offer excellent opportunities in co-extrusion applications. Pebax MV 1074 SA 01 MED polymer can be extruded as a hydrophilic polymer layer in a multi-layer tube or film extrusion for surfaces directly in contact with bodily tissue that require high moisture absorption.

This new medical grade hydrophilic Pebax MV 1074 SA 01 MED polymer offers an exceptional option for medical devices in contact with wet tissue. It has a natural affinity to moisture and high absorption rate that is truly unique compared to hydrophobic polymers that are common in medical devices.

A global chemical company and France's leading chemicals producer, Arkema is building the future of the chemical industry every day. Deploying a responsible, innovation-based approach, we produce state-of-the-art specialty chemicals that provide customers with practical solutions to such challenges as climate change, access to drinking water, the future of energy, fossil fuel preservation and the need for lighter materials.

With operations in more than 40 countries, some 14,000 employees and 10 research centers, Arkema generates annual revenue of €6.5 billion, and holds leadership positions in all its markets with a portfolio of internationally recognized brands.

Arkema