Injection Moulding Asia Medical Sector Similarly, French chemicals firm Arkema has introduced a biobased and recyclable high rigidity advanced biocircular PA11 medical polymer that is intended to replace metal and traditional polymers in demanding medical applications. The new Rilsan MED grade, which is formulated with a high content (65%) of glass fibres, has a tensile modulus of 18.5GPa, making it suitable for the production of surgical tools. Arkema’s PA11 medical polymer is derived from its flagship amino 11, which is sourced from castor bean oil
Solvay has partnered with Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials to recycle end-of-life medical components
The project may be able to demonstrate that it is possible to recycle high- value Udel PSU parts used in the medical field, resulting in significant CO2 emissions savings throughout the production and supply chain. The project entails combining MCAM’s expertise in washing and mechanically purifying the material with Solvay’s ability to evaluate the chemistry of the end-of-life polymer to establish a recycling strategy that will provide customers with materials that fully meet all specifications. MCAM has previously collaborated with Solvay on the reclamation and recycling of other high-performance polymers, such as KetaSpire PEEK material.
The new polymer, derived from Arkema’s flagship amino 11, which is sourced from castor bean oil, is said to offer a combination of physical performance, lightweight, and sustainability. It also has favourable biocompatibility properties (which have been successfully assessed according to USP Class VI, ISO 10993-4, ISO 10993-5, and ISO 10993-10 standards), easy processability, lightweight, high resistance to aggressive chemical agents and repeated sterilisation cycles, and other properties.
Advanced materials to optimise device performance Modern medical devices and intervention tools rely on advanced and functional materials to improve their capabilities and enable better patient compliance and outcomes. German materials supplier Covestro is one of these companies that is assisting in the ongoing development of medical plastics technologies. Covestro’s Makrolon M6011 FR, a medical PC, and Makroblend M5005 FR, a medical PC/polyester blend, have been introduced by the company for medical device housings and hardware. The materials have a differentiated composition of properties that improve chemical resistance while employing next-generation flame retardants with the most stringent UL rating – UL 94 V-0. These materials are also said to demonstrate enhanced impact strength, rigidity, UV resistance, and improved flowability.
New approaches in infection control Demand for new therapies, breakthrough medicines, and effective drug delivery systems reflect the need to protect against emerging diseases and other unavoidable health risks. One of the most important lessons from the coronavirus pandemic, for example, is the relevance of infection prevention via hygiene protocols and the effective use of antimicrobial solutions. Berry Global and Pylote are introducing a firstto-market multi-dose ophthalmic dropper with a high barrier and antimicrobial protection
Covestro’s Makrolon and Makroblend materials are suitable for medical device housings and hardware applications
4 APRIL 2022
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