Foster Corporation, polymer solutions expert for medical devices, has launched ProPell T which is designed to offer lower lubricity and translucency in medical device components, when added to lower durometer TPU and Pebax polyamide elastomer compounds.
Similar to the existing ProPell product line, Foster says ProPell T offers reduced coefficient of friction (CoF) while maintaining critical mechanical properties, and improved manufacturing and handling of medical catheter tubing. ProPell T also offers a proprietary surface enhancing additive that, according to Foster, provides translucency unlike anything on the market today.
“Medical personnel can not only see the substance that is being transported through the tubing, but can also easily detect any defects in the device,” explained Larry Johnson, vice president of business development for Foster Corporation.
The ProPell T technology reduces tackiness and friction in medical device components, especially soft, flexible polymers such as low durometer TPU, commonly used in central venous catheters (CVC), and Pebax polyamide polymers that are used in interventional vascular catheters.
“The use of ProPell T in catheters benefits medical practitioners by offering easier deployment and control of the device by enabling the catheter to move faster and smoother through the vascular system,” Johnson added.