Medical Device Link.

Originally Published EMDM January/February 2002

MATERIALS

Although the future of Rhodia (Saint-Fons, France) is in a state of flux at the time of writing, with chemicals groups Clariant and DSM having expressed interest in acquiring the firm, its R&D activities soldier on. At the K 2001 show, the company introduced a semicrystalline nylon that is being scrutinized for potential medical applications. Orthopaedic devices such as knee braces is one product category under consideration, according to Philippe Guinot, strategy and business development director at Rhodia Engineering Plastics.

The Technyl Star polymer is based on a proprietary polymerization and compounding technology that engenders a nonlinear structure in the polymeric chain. "The material's flow characteristics result in substantial processing advantages," says Guinot, who cites reduced mould fill times, lower processing temperatures, and the ability to use smaller presses as some of the benefits.

In addition to its processing characteristics, the Technyl Star material achieves high mechanical and thermal properties at room and elevated temperatures. "The performance characteristics match other polyamides and high-performance polymers," points out Guinot, "even though it is much easier to process." The material's chemical and physical properties, he adds, minimize roughness in the surface finish even with highly filled grades. Consequently, Technyl Star is well positioned for applications in which strength and surface aesthetics are required. The device sector shows promise, says Guinot, who nevertheless cautions that "Rhodia will only consider nonimplantable products that do not come in contact with body fluids.

"As with any new application, we are examining how we can bring a functional value to our customers and, ultimately, to the end-user. In this case, we can bring down the overall production costs and reduce the weight of the final device," says Guinot.

Norbert Sparrow

Copyright ©2002 European Medical Device Manufacturer