Originally Published MDDI September 2001
High-strength adhesive bonds metals. ITW Plexus (Danvers, MA; 800/851-6692) has developed an adhesive for rigorous metal-bonding applications. MA820 methacrylate provides high strength, fatigue endurance, impact resistance, and toughness when used on stainless steel, aluminum, thermoplastics, and composites. No primers and little or no surface preparation are necessary for this two-part adhesive, which is supplied in ready-to-use cartridges, pails, and drums. The low-odor, nonsagging MA820 has good tolerance to off-ratio mixing, has a working time of 4 to 6 minutes, achieves 75% of ultimate strength in 30 to 35 minutes, and cures with no surface tack.
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Two-Part Epoxy Cures Quickly with Low Shrinkage
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Coating line promotes rapid fluid transfer. A line of hydrophilic coatings and hydrophilic pressure-sensitive, heat-sealable adhesives is suitable for bending in vitro diagnostic medical devices. ARflow products, from Adhesives Research Inc. (Glen Rock, PA; 717/235-7979), also enhance flow and the wicking of biological fluids. By providing a hydrophilic surface that can reduce surface tension of biological fluids, the products facilitate the rapid transfer of fluid from an inlet area to a remote reagent area, thereby reducing analysis time. Device design flexibility is also enhanced with smaller sample volumes. ARflow products can reduce the risk of chemical interference by providing a wicking surface that allows increased separation between the sampling port and test reagents. Components are bonded securely by the products, which include hydrophilic thin-film and ultra-thin-film coatings, heat-sealable hydrophilic thin films, and hydrophilic PSA tapes.
Thermoplastic elastomers help prevent allergenic reactions. Three new TPE compounds are easily processed at high rates of extrusion without the curing or vulcanization necessary for thermoset rubber. Teknor Apex's Thermoplastic Elastomer Division (Pawtucket, RI; 401/725-8000) has added the TPEs to its Monprene line of styrenic block copolymers. Grades MP 1580L1 and MP 1871-R were created to prevent allergenic reactions caused by latex. They have Shore A hardness ratings of 37 and 35, respectively. Grade 1580L1 meets USP Class VI requirements, and 1871-R meets ISO 10993 requirements. Grade MP 1848, with a Shore A hardness of 75, provides good clarity and kink resistance, is inherently elastic, and does not contain a plasticizer.
Adhesive systems company offers customized services. A custom coating service has been implemented to provide OEMs, converters, and suppliers with turnkey coating services, including customized adhesive development. Maximized throughput and decreased turnaround time are the benefits of specifically designed adhesives and coating services. Adhesive solutions are available for a wide range of applications, incorporating a wide array of substrates. A complete product design program provided at the beginning of every project optimizes the conversion process and performance of the end product. Special attention is paid to customer specifications, endurance expectations, environmental conditions, processing parameters, and end use. Services are provided by Tyco Adhesives (Norwood, MA; 800/248-7659), a company specializing in rubber, acrylic, and silicone-based adhesive systems.
Internal
lubrication eliminates hindrance of adhesive bonds. New, low-friction urethane
compounds are suitable for mating medical components, especially surgical tubing
assemblies. An internal lubrication system maintains the physical properties
of the base material while enhancing frictional performance. Additionally, the
lubrication system does not adversely affect adhesion. The compounds have good
mold flow and release properties. Compliance with USP Class VI requirements
and European Blue Angel standards may be possible in development. These compounds
are part of an extensive line of selectively enhanced polymers being developed
by Foster Corp. (Dayville, CT; 860/774-3964).
Copyright ©2001 Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry
