Page 40 - Plastics News September 2020

PRESS RELEASE

TPEs find a niche in medical PPEs

KRAIBURG TPE, a recognized global leader in superior Furthermore, most KRAIBURG TPE's THERMOLAST® M
thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compounds, offers a compounds are sterilizable with superheated steam of
range of THERMOLAST® M compounds for personal 121°C or 134°C, γ-gamma ray treatment (2 x 35 kGy), β-
protective equipment (PPE) applications in the ray (electron beam) treatment (2 x 35 kGy) and EtO gas,
medical sector. making them applicable in the medical sector.

Given the rise of diseases like Covid-19, the role of In addition to the easy sterilization properties,
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in protecting the important features of the THERMOLAST® M compounds
healthcare workforce has never been more important. are their excellent elasticity and soft, flexible surface.
PPEs provide protection against cross-infections and Targeted at the medical sector, the THERMOLAST® M
pathogenic transmissions and have the potential to compounds are free of allergens such as latex, as well as
block infections originating in blood, body fluids or avoid potential environmental pollutants such as
respiratory secretions. polyvinylchloride (PVC), phthalates, and BPA (bisphenol
A).
Due to the levels of exposure risks in hospitals, it is
required that PPEs, including disposable surgical masks Durability factor of compounds
and gowns, face shields, goggles, glasses, and shoe
covers, are safely designed and manufactured. PPEs also The THERMOLAST® M series includes the MC/LF
have to be durable, comfortable to wear, and to provide compounds that can be applied in breathing masks,
adequate barrier against contact with body fluids and goggles, sealing for face shields and handles of glasses to
protect users against viral and bacterial contaminants.
respiratory secretions; plus able to withstand the rigors
of patient care for healthcare workers and medical front Benefits of this series are the hardness level of 30-90
liners. Shore A, low surface friction, abrasion and scratch
resistance and the translucent color. Furthermore, the
Innovative materials such as thermoplastic elastomers
(TPEs) respond to the functional issues related to PPE MC/LF series of compounds can be easily processed
through injection molding and extrusion, with
designs, owing to their versatility and durability. The
advantages of mechanical properties coupled with properties of adhesion to PP.
biocompatibility, make TPEs well-suited for medical
applications in parts sealing, strips, handles, and more.
KRAIBURG TPE, a global TPE manufacturer of a wide
range of thermoplastic elastomer products and custom
solutions for multiple industries, offers custom-made
TPE compounds, such as the high-quality custom-
engineered THERMOLAST® M materials for medical PPE
applications.
Medically fit compounds
Due to the use in of the compounds in a critical sector,
KRAIBURG TPE's THERMOLAST® M compounds are
produced exclusively on a special medical unit.
The compounds also meet the requirements of the VDI
2017 guideline for medical-grade plastics (MGPs), issued
by the Association of German Engineers (VDI), as well as
the Reach and RoHS standards and Regulation (EU) No
10/2011, for use in medical applications.

The US DMF-listed compounds also conform to US CFR 21
FDA (raw material conformity), and are certified to ISO
10993-10 (Intracutaneous irritation), ISO 10993-4
(Hemolysis), USP <88> (Biological Reactivity, Class VI), Meanwhile, the MC/AD/PA compounds in the
ISO10993-11 (Acute systemic toxicity) and ISO 10993-5 THERMOLAST® M series are suitable for applications
(Cytotoxicity). such as face shield head comfort pads and face mask
seals that are used to protect users against infectious

September 2020 40 Plastics News