MedalistÂ® Thermoplastic Elastomers come in clear and translucent grades.

Teknor Apex Co. May 11, 2017

Press Release Summary:

Available in MD-16100 and MD-10100 series, Medalist® Thermoplastic Elastomers offer limited adhesion to polypropylene substrates. Suitable in orthopedic devices and prosthetic liners applications, Medalist MD-16100 offers less surface friction and grades are available with 20 Shore OO to 65 Shore OO or 10 Shore A hardness levels. Medalist MD-10100 is used as respiratory masks for providing air-tight, cushioning seal against the face.

Original Press Release:

New Ultra-Soft Medical TPE Gels Exhibit Low Surface Tack and Enhanced Adhesion to Polypropylene in Over-Molding

Medalist® MD-16100 and 10100 Series TPEs from Teknor Apex Overcome Limitations of Standard Gels and Provide Device Makers with Cost-Effective Alternatives to Silicones

The ultra-soft thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) known as gels are greatly valued in medical applications for their cushioning properties, but they have challenged device designers because of their surface tack and limited adhesion to polypropylene (PP) substrates. Two new series of Medalist® medical elastomers from Teknor Apex Company successfully address these challenges:

Medalist MD-16100 low-tack gels exhibit less surface friction than standard TPE gels, providing smooth surfaces and improved haptics. Grades are available with hardness levels from an exceedingly low 20 Shore OO to 65 Shore OO, or 10 Shore A. The compounds can provide padding, support, or cushioning in applications like orthopedic devices and prosthetic liners and can serve in diabetes therapy as insoles, heel cushions, and toe spacers.
Medalist MD-10100 gels for over-molding onto PP exhibit excellent adhesion to this substrate, providing the design flexibility of parts consolidation and yielding rigid components with built-in cushioning functionality. Grades range from 8 to 18 Shore A. These gels are used in respiratory masks to provide an air-tight, cushioning seal against the face. Other applications include orthopedic devices and grips for handles or hand-held devices.

The new compounds are safe for skin contact, process and demold easily, and are available in clear and translucent grades that are ideal for custom colors, according to Ross van Royen, senior market manager of regulated products. Property data appear in the accompanying table.

“New Medalist 16100 and 10100 Series compounds are unique among TPEs in avoiding much of the tackiness that is typical with gels and overcoming their limitations in PP over-molding,” said Mr. van Royen. “Their outstanding properties as cushions and liners make them cost-effective replacements for silicones.”

Manufactured in ISO 13485 facilities, the new gel compounds comply with FDA requirements for food-grade ingredients, ISO 10993-5 standards for biocompatibility, and REACH SVHC directives. They are free of DEHP and other phthalates, BPA, and latex. Standard grades are ADM-free.

Medalist 16100 and 10100 Series compounds are available worldwide.

About Teknor Apex:

Teknor Apex Company, a privately held firm founded in 1924, is one of the world’s leading custom compounders of plastics. Teknor Apex produces flexible and rigid vinyl, thermoplastic elastomers, nylons, color masterbatches, specialty chemicals, and hoses. The company is headquartered in Pawtucket, RI, U.S.A. and operates thirteen manufacturing facilities worldwide in the United States, Belgium, Germany, China, and Singapore. To learn more visit: www.teknorapex.com.

The Thermoplastic Elastomer Division of Teknor Apex Company offers the broadest portfolio of TPE compounds available from a single source. The division compounds TPEs at eight locations in the U.S., Europe, and Asia under the brands: Elexar® (electrical and electronics applications), Medalist® (medical devices), Monprene® (consumer and industrial products), and Sarlink® (transportation).

Contact:

Americas:

Teknor Apex

505 Central Avenue

Pawtucket, RI 02861 U.S.A

Phone: 1-401-725-8000

Fax: 1-401-728-5680

E-mail: tpe@teknorapex.com

Europe:

Teknor Apex,

Mijnweg 1, 6167AC,

Geleen, Netherlands.