Toyochem introduces high moisture-permeable acrylic adhesives for healthcare

Toyochem Co., Ltd., the polymers and coatings arm of Japan’s Toyo Ink Group, has launched a new healthcare-use line of pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) under its Oribain brand of acrylic adhesive solutions.

The new PSA system addresses the demand for medical tapes and surgical dressing materials that offer high moisture absorbency and breathability, thus minimising skin maceration and infection. The adhesive compositions are based on acrylics – not silicones – so they do contain any substances that may contaminate coating environments or cause costly bonding issues.

Conventional pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesives commonly used in modern medical tapes tend to exhibit low moisture permeability and to easily trap heat and water vapors released from the skin. This often leads to skin irritation, skin maceration, rashes and even bacterial growth. To address this issue, Toyochem researchers applied its advanced resin synthesis technology to form a polymeric composition that substantially raises the moisture permeability rate of the adhesive layer.

Nao Nakamura, General Manager of Toyochem’s Adhesives Division, said: “The new Oribain PSA has consistently reached water vapour transmission rates of 2,000g/m2/24 hours. These values are considerably higher than those of traditional acrylic adhesives, which typically range from 500 to 1,000g/m2/24 hours. We were able to do so, all the while maintaining mechanical performance requirements for adhesion and peel strength.”

In addition to Oribain acrylic PSAs, Toyochem’s comprehensive portfolio includes the Cyabine brand of polyurethane PSA solutions, including high moisture-permeability systems. PSA compositions can be customised to meet ISO-10993-1 or other FDA-recognized biocompatibility standards.

Production and development centres in Japan and China have boosted the company’s capability to customise and expand its product offerings to meet the stringent performance demands of the healthcare, packaging and various industrial markets. Toyochem is now looking to strengthen its presence in the global medical adhesives market, particular in dressing and surgical tape applications.