Katie Coyne
Manchester, UK -- The VTC TPE Group has developed a range of TPE grades which can be used in medical tubing to cater for the increasing demand for PVC-free medical devices.
Hospitals have been slowly switching to PVC products due to concerns over potential leaching of PVC plasticisers in medical devices.
The new Mediprene TPE compounds are PVC, silicone and latex free, making them allergen free, and are available in a range of hardnesses as well as being 100 percent recyclable.
They have a high level of transparency to allow for clear visibility of liquids and anti-kinking properties to ensure free flow of liquids and gases through the tubing.
The VTC TPE Group, the thermoplastic elastomer division of the Vita Compounding Group, added that its TPE tubing grades also have good damping properties, so they slowly recover after deformation, like PVC.
Niklas Ottosson, medical technical manager VTC TPE Group, said: “The strength of our new Mediprene TPE grades for tubing applications lies in their design flexibility and tailor-ability backed up by our ISO 13485 accredited production facility and comprehensive medical policy.
“Extensive testing and a strict raw material selection strategy pave the way for our customers to achieve regulatory approvals.â€
Other beneficial characteristics, said VTC, include excellent chemical resistance and grades are also available that are oil free and minimises leaching.
From PRW (A Crain publication)
