PolyOne develops alternative TPE to silicone

PolyOne, a global polymer material provider, has developed an alternative ThermoPlastic Elastomer (TPE) to silicone.

There was a real need for an alternative following the FDA’s reports of siloxane shortages - a key ingredient in silicone. Additionally, the news regarding the closure of ethylene oxide facilities was resulting in longer lead times and higher prices for medical tubing.

In response, PolyOne launched its Versaflex HC BT218 at MD&M West earlier this year. The company claims the material is able to deliver the critical demands for biopharmaceutical tubing applications including, weldability, kink resistance and tensile strength performance to the same standard as silicone and other TPEs.

Jim Mattey, global marketing director, specialty engineered materials, commented: “We’re excited to add the new Versaflex grade to our expanding set of solutions that enable customers to continue pursuing product innovation and meet market demands.” He added: “We are committed to leveraging our material science expertise to formulate alternative and customised solutions that meet regulatory demands and functional necessity for life-saving medical devices, especially in the face of market uncertainties.”

The material is currently available in the United States and has been submitted for USP class VI and ISO 10993-4,5 certifications.