Originally Published EMDM September 2002
TECHNOLOGY NEWS
MATERIALSMedical Nonwoven Combines Best Properties of Paper and Plastic Tapes
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| Nonwoven tape introduced by 3M Medical Specialties is available with or without a paper release liner. |
An embossed medical nonwoven tape offers the bidirectional tearability generally associated with perforated plastic tapes and the comfort and extended-wear capabilities of microporous tapes. 3M Medical Specialties (Bracknell, Berks, UK) introduced the product in April at the Index '02 nonwovens exposition in Geneva.
The 9914 tape has a "unique pattern that is achieved by combining rayon, polyester, and thermoplastic fibres with an embossing process," according to David Cromie, business development manager, East Europe and Middle East. "This imparts bidirectional tearing properties and increases the tape's conformability," he says. "The new tape takes the desirable features of our Micropore and Transpore brands, which are often referred to respectively as paper and perforated plastic tapes, and combines them into one product," Cromie adds.
Designed to present a clean, professional appearance during wear, the surface of the nonwoven material is engineered not to fluff up. This is especially beneficial in wound dressing applications, notes Cromie. "The absence of pilling and fluffing will actively help to reduce contamination, scuffing, and other undesirable features."
The tape also benefits from 3M's ongoing R&D activities related to medical-grade adhesives. "The adhesive used on the 9914 tape fits well with our coating processes, which, in turn, helps us to supply a consistently coated product," says Cromie. He adds that the adhesive is formulated to be hypoallergenic while providing enhanced skin adhesion compared with traditional microporous tapes.
Available with or without a protective paper release liner, the EtO- and gamma-sterilizable tape has broad "stick-to-skin" applications, according to Cromie. Sports medicine tapes, island dressings, and electrode-backing applications are among the product's primary uses, according to the firm.
Norbert Sparrow
Copyright ©2002 European Medical Device Manufacturer
