Arkema Launches Medical Grade Pebax

Continuing its commitment to medical industry, Arkema launches Pebax MED resins for medical device applications.  These grades represent the highest quality of Pebax polymers for medical applications, including devices exposed short term to bodily fluids (<30 days).   Effective January 1, 2011 Arkema will no longer offer standard grade Pebax SA resins for any medical applications.

Pebax resin has been a preferred material in medical devices, such as minimally invasive catheters for angioplasty, since the mid 1990’s.  Pebax resin has gained recognition over other elastomers for excellent flexibility, kink resistance, torque transfer, and low coefficient of friction.  Over recent years however, the functional and processing requirements for polymers have become more rigorous Arkema is introducing this new Pebax grade as part of an ongoing commitment to the medical industry, offering a range of grades specifically intended for today’s devices.  
 
“Our highest quality Pebax MED resin will be instrumental in helping OEMs meet the growing demands of minimally invasive and intravascular devices by improving product performance and manufacturing yields,” says Basker Lalgudi, Arkema’s North American Medical Market Manager. 

All Pebax MED resin grades have passed USP Class VI biocompatibility testing and are sterilizable by EtO, gamma and steam, key requirements for minimally invasive devices.  Pebax chemistries are also available in breathable films suitable for thick coatings or laminates used in level 3 and 4 medical apparel applications, such as surgical gowns, masks, gloves, drapes and wound dressings.