Foster Corporation launches medical copolymers

Foster Corporation, has introduced heat and light stabilised polyether block amide (PEBA) copolymers that resist oxidation and degradation during storage. Foster HLS formulations are manufactured from medical grade Pebax polymers and USP VI additives for use in medical device applications such as vascular catheters.

PEBA copolymers, like many polymers, degrade due to environmental stress agents such as oxygen, moisture, heat and ultraviolet light over time. This can cause a loss in material properties and reduced functionality of medical device components that have been stored in such conditions. Foster has developed a targeted stabiliser system which can both decompose and neutralise the free radicals created by exposure to oxygen, heat and UV light, which otherwise will initiate the loss of polymer properties. These polymer formulations can extend reliable functionality of medical devices.

In two studies recently conducted by Foster, it says that HLS 2533 MED demonstrated substantial long-term property retention compared with the non-stabilised PEBA medical grade. Following six months of exposure to multi-source indoor light, HLS 2533 MED test samples retained 99% tensile strength whereas the non-stabilised PEBA samples demonstrated severe degradation and property attrition after three months of light exposure. In a separate study, samples were exposed to 131°F (55°C) for 32 weeks to simulate aging for five years at 77°F (25°C). The HLS stabilised samples retained 99% tensile strength compared to 78% of the non-stabilised PEBA samples.

"The HLS stabiliser system helps maintain integrity of the base resin by minimising unanticipated changes in chemistry and molecular weight caused during certain storage conditions," said Bill Blasius, manager of R&D and polymer science for Foster Corporation. "These changes may affect material properties and performance of a device component. Minimising such changes is important for devices that may be in storage prior to use."

Foster offers HLS polymer formulations are based on all available medical grade Pebax polymers, along with radiopaque compound formulations that provide fluoroscopic visibility for catheter and minimally invasive device applications.