Thermoplastics in the Medical Industry

The use of thermoplastic elastomers in the medical industry is nothing new. The use of TPEs in medical tubing means that hospitals can benefit from the polymer’s high extrusion rates and ability to withstand high temperatures. TPEs are also used in medical devices such as gaskets and stoppers. Thermoplastic elastomers provide the perfect solution for the demand for sterile medical grade devices in clinical settings.

Thermoplastics are widely used in the food and medical industry and are highly regarded for their adaptability. Because they come into contact with food, thermoplastics are tightly regulated in the food service industry and even more controlled in the medical industry. Thermoplastics have been used in everything from food storage containers to medical testing devices and their popularity is only increasing in these sectors.

Whether you are looking to manufacture food preparation tools or medical devices, thermoplastics are an economical and efficient choice.

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Elastomer helps amputees swim

GainShine TPE has developed a thermoplastic elastomer that combines softness with memory and rigidity to meet the demands of a swim dive fin for amputees.

The customized TPE has the proper durometer to prevent chafing but rigid enough to allow a strong push in the water and to stand on itself without deforming. Other benefits are neutral buoyancy, heat resistance and availability in a range of colors.

GainShine’s new elastomer, GS0450-80A, is based on SEBS polymer and sports an 80 Shore A durometer. The company developed the compound for amputees. The new fins, suited to war veterans and to a range of people of different ages.

Learn more: http://www.gainshinetpe.com/elastomer-helps-amputees-swim.html

Processing of Thermoplastic Elastomers

The processing of thermoplastic elastomers, TPE is characterized by the fact that the material becomes fluid when heating and then is going back to a solid phase when cooling. Thereby rubber-like products can be manufactured by the use of plastic processing equipment.

Almost all TPE materials are fully compounded by the supplier and delivered as granulate. Therefore no mixing procedure is needed. Neither is curing needed and the scrap can be reprocessed.

These differences lead to lower energy consumption and shorter cycle times for production ofTPE products in comparison with rubber products.

As machinery for thermoplastic materials differs from equipment for rubber materials, new investments normally is required when switching the material for a product from rubber to TPE.

The processes used for thermoplastic elastomers are the following. The two first are the most important.

• Extrusion
  Injection moulding
  Calendering
  Blow moulding
  Melt calendering

How to improve bonding capability between TPE and Nylon?

TPE Overmolding onto Nylon(mainly PA6, PA66 and defibrillators modified nylon engineering plastics) often used in handles of kitchen utensils and electric drill tools, electrical accessories, etc. The hardness of TPE can be adjusted by modified formulation. The hardness range for TPE which overmolding onto nylon: Shore 40A~Shore 80A, the most common hardness is Shore 60A.

Injection moulding machine or two-colour injection machine are often used where Thermoplastic Elastomers is molded onto nylon. Injection moulding machine need two sets of mold, a set of mold for nylon parts injection, another set of mold for tpe overmolding onto nylon, it requires two steps. Two-colour injection machine complete the entire production process in one machine, thus shortening the molding cycle, improving work efficiency.

Manufacturers often encounter poor bonding capability where TPE is molded onto nylon. How to improve the situation?

1.Change formulation and improve the compatibility of tpe with nylon, so as to enhance their adhesion. There is a big gap between the two materials’microscopic molecular polarity. Poor compatibility between them make it difficult for tpe bonded to nylon. We can improve adhesive property between tpe and nylon by introducing a graft material.

2.Provide appropriate tpe injection molding temperature. During processing, it is necessary to make tpe and nylon having a close processing temperature. For example, nylon injection molding temperature is 250 to 260 degrees, then tpe overmolding temperature need to be 240 to 250 degrees, approaching but slightly lower than nylon injection temperature.

3.Preheat nylon parts before overmolding. Heat nylon parts and put them into the injection molding machine before it goes cold, then tpe materials molded onto nylon immediately. Thus can improve the adhesion properties of tpe and nylon.

4.Create better product design. Perforate nylon parts in some inconsequential position or set zigzag groove at the edge of soft cover, by insert molding or increasing the contact area between the TPE and nylon can improve their adhesion.

Know more： http://www.gainshine-tpe.com/news/How-to-improve-bonding-capability-between-TPE-and-Nylon.html

GainShine TPE creates more possibilities to be green

Thermoplastic elastomer compounding group, GainShine TPE, has added new compounds to its Green family of biobased TPEs, creating more opportunities for sustainability.

GainShine Green is a family of thermoplastic elastomer compounds based on raw materials from renewable resources such as plant and vegetable crops. Raw materials can be produced from various renewable sources, these include products and by-products from agricultural that are rich in carbohydrates, especially saccharides such as grain, sugar beet and sugar cane.

GainShine TPE has developed several new customization options for the GainShine TPE compounds. The hardness range has been expanded to include 20 Shore A to 50 Shore D, with amounts of renewable biocontent to more than 90 percent, depending on the hardness.

One of the key challenges we faced with the GainShine Green TPE compounds was to develop low hardnesses with high levels of renewable content, since most biobased raw materials in the market are quite hard on their own. We have now added lower hardnesses to the GainShine Green range while at the same time maintaining mechanical properties.

GainShine TPE has additionally developed compounds using organic fillers and natural fibers from plants, crops or trees, including cork. Cork is a natural product which comes from the bark of the cork oak tree.

The removal of the bark does not harm the trees and the bark is only harvested after the first 20 years of growth. The removal stimulates a steady regeneration of the bark. Each cork tree provides on average 16 harvests over its 150-200 year lifespan.

For customers that want biobased products that also have a natural look and feel, the use of cork and natural fibers helps to give an additional ‘organic’ appearance.

With these new developments to the GainShine Green TPE range, using different renewable content and covering a greater hardness range, we have created more design and sustainability possibilities.

Learn more from: http://www.gainshinetpe.com/gainshine-tpe-creates-more-possibilities-to-be-green.html

Analyst Says Auto Industry To Drive TPE Growth

That rate is higher than that seen in 2013, because “in general, the economy is doing better,” Eller said in a recent interview in Bath. This comeback has been fueled by higher build numbers in the auto market, which accounts for at least half of TPE demand, both in North America and worldwide.

Globally, the largest automotive TPE growth potential is in China and India, where 20 million new vehicles could create 110 million pounds of new thermoplastic elastomer and styrenic block copolymer (SBC) demand from 2011-20, according to Eller, president of Robert Eller Associates L.L.C. in Akron.

In Europe, declining car sales have affected TPE demand negatively. By 2020, the region will be producing 14.7 million vehicles, a level that still would be 8 percent less than the market’s peak 2007 production. This slow comeback has been caused by a decline in consumer appetite for cars, an aging population and Europe’s excellent non-auto transportation system, Eller said.

Global growth markets for TPEs vary by type. For SBCs, growth markets include packaging, auto, electronics, medical and wire and cable. Copolyester growth should come from electronics and bioplastics. The auto sector should provide future growth for TPVs, while thermoplastic polyurethane resins and foam should see improved demand from bioplastics and footwear.

Eller — who presented his most recent TPE outlook at the TPE 2013 conference in Germany in October — cited some potential new applications for TPE materials. Those applications include encapsulation seals for auto rear quarter windows, where TPVs and SBCs could replace PVC and EPDM.

TPVs also could be used in air duct cuffs, where the materials offer heat resistance, ease of processing and adhesion to nylon. TPVs additionally could challenge EPDM in short air ducts, Eller said.

Outside of automotive, SBCs have potential in soft-touch overmolds for closure caps in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Within the TPE sector, Eller explained that SBCs increasingly are competing with TPVs in the auto sector, where TPVs are becoming a commodity.

Longer-term, Eller said that he expects TPE suppliers will increase in both in number and diversity. It also will be more difficult for TPE makers to control their intellectual property. The global TPE market also will see more grades, more competition and more interest in acquisitions.

One such deal already has taken place in 2014, when SBC maker Kraton Performance Polymers Inc. of Houston in January merged with the SBC business of Taiwan-based LCY Chemical Corp. to create a materials firm with annual sales of $2 billion.

Learn more from: http://www.gainshinetpe.com/analyst-says-auto-industry-to-drive-tpe-growth.html

TPEs and the Medical Industry

TPEs have been used for several years in the medical industry. They were initially adopted as

replacements for SBR, latex, and polyisoprene. Those materials did not offer design freedom, and TPEs had similar stress-strain performance. TPE materials can also be easily extruded, which makes them appropriate for tubing and elastic bands. Characterized by softness and suppleness, TPEs also appeal to consumers and are therefore popular for many healthcare products used in a home setting.

Early TPE formulations were considered for thermoset stopper replacement in syringes but failed to meet performance requirements. New formulations and other advances, however, have improved performance of TPEs for stopper applications. As TPE technology has evolved, these materials are being considered for overmolded designs to enhance the feel, ergonomics, and aesthetics of the final part.

Desirable attributes such as softness and ease of molding provide opportunities for TPE use in medical applications such as orthopedics, surgical equipment, syringe plungers, needle shields, face masks, resuscitator and breathable bags, and home-use medical devices. With new formulations, these materials help to address regulatory, performance, design, and cost requirements.

learn more: http://www.gainshinetpe.com/tpes-and-the-medical-industry.html

Guide to Sex Toy Materials

This material is commonly referred to as ‘flesh-like’ in both appearance and texture. You will find TPE in sex toysproduced by Fleshlight, TENGA, Doc Johnson and Pipedream Toys to name a few.

Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE) are, in basic terms, a mix of plastic and rubber. The difference here, is that generally they contain no PVC, Latex or Phthalates. You will recognize a product made from TPE by it’s soft, squishy texture that is often silky to the touch. This is because during production, the moulds used to create the toys are dusted with a ‘renewal’ powder (typically cornstarch) to stop them from sticking to the mould.

Products made from this are usually a little bit more expensive than typical rubber toys. This also means they require a little bit more maintenance. Like Rubber, TPE toys are also porous – so again, you will want to ensure after each use, you thoroughly clean it with anti-bacterial toy cleaner and be sure it’s kept separate from other toys. It’s also advisable to not share this material with a partner unless you are fluid bonded with them. Using a condom could potentially reduce any risk and may increase the longevity of your toy. It’s not an exact science, unfortunately.

Things like TPR/TPE can be quite tricky. Technically speaking, it’s not toxic – but due to is porous nature, I would never use an insertable product made from TPE/TPR. For things like masturbators, it’s a little bit more lenient – but a TPE/TPR dildo or butt plug will retain odour no matter how much you clean it. So for anal use, I would personally steer clear.

To clean a toy made from TPE, this is best down with water and toy cleaner, and then patted dry with a lint free towel. You can also leave it to air dry. It’s best to ensure (especially with a toy like a stroker/masturbator) that the internal canal is totally clean and dry before storage otherwise this will cause irreparable damage to your toy. When the toy is dried, you can lightly dust the toy with cornstarch (or official ‘renewer’ powder) and this will return the toy back to it’s soft velvet appearance.

When using a toy made from TPE – you should only use a water-based lubricant. Silicone/Oil-based lubricants can cause the material to deteriorate.

know more: http://www.gainshine-tpe.com/news/Guide-to-Sex-Toy-Materials.html

Thermoplastic elastomers for Auto Industry

Thermoplastic elastomers offer many advantages to car manufacturers. It gives gear sticks and steering wheels their smooth touch. Thanks to their good compression set values and processability with 2C injection moulding, TPE is an attractive option for car window trims. The resistance to oil and grease on offer for example with GainShine makes the material even suitable for use in the engine compartment.

We provide TPEs that meet all relevant requirements, including SGS and Reach test certificates.

Properties:
Odourless
Good weather resistance
Resistant to oil and grease
Fast cost-effective processing
Vibration-damping
Excellent adhesion with all conventional hard components
Abrasion-resistant

Typical applications:
Control elements
Airbags
Anti-slip mats
Window trims
Cowl panels
Spoilers
Seals
Air duct components