Clariant Enhances Functionality of Medical-Grade ABS Polymers

Clariant Plastics & Coatings Healthcare Polymer Solutions has announced a new family of ABS polymer compounds for medical device and pharmaceutical packaging manufacturers, delivering advanced functionality without compromising compliance with legal requirements. The resins are part of the MEVOPUR color and additive concentrates and 'ready-to-use' polymer compounds. ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) is known as a versatile material widely used in the consumer and automotive industries and is currently readily available as 'medical grade' resin. Clariant uses its formulation expertise, compounding capabilities in EN-ISO13485:2016 certified manufacturing facilities, and pre-tested components supporting compliance with standards such as ISO10993 and USP Class VI to enhance ABS resin properties. Steve Duckworth, Head of Global Marketing and Business Development, explained: "Clariant recently introduced the 'Color of Innovation' theme to demonstrate that making the decision early enough to apply QbD (Quality by Design) principles to materials expands the scope of possibilities. "We are recognized for colors, but it shows what can be done to add new properties to polymers that are already excellent resins – such as medical grade ABS – and we are expanding application possibilities." [caption id="attachment_100328" align="aligncenter"] Bright transparent ABS colors in MEVOPUR compounds combined with electrostatic dissipative or laser welding functionality. (Photo: Clariant)[/caption]

Examples of MEVOPUR functional compounds include:

ABS Scratch Resistant: ABS is often used for visual appeal, but this can be compromised in use by surface scratches. These scratches are particularly visible in dark colors. The new MEVOPUR compounds reduce the appearance of scratches and help devices maintain their appearance longer. ABS Electrostatic Dissipative: Plastics are insulators and therefore prone to accumulating static charges. In applications where plastics come into contact with dust, dust can adhere to the surface. In drug delivery devices such as inhaler spacer chambers, this adhesion effect reduces dose reliability and repeatability. MEVOPUR permanent electrostatic dissipative compounds reduce surface resistance and rapidly dissipate charges, preventing adhesion. Electrostatic dissipative resins are available in both opaque colors and transparent MABS (polymethyl methacrylate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene). ABS Laser-Weld Transparent: Laser welding involves two components: laser transmissive and laser absorptive materials. Polymers are generally transparent to laser wavelengths and must be modified to absorb laser energy. However, color pigments can also block laser light transmission. These factors become a challenge when both components need to have the same appearance. The new MEVOPUR compounds have transparent colors (such as blue) for both laser transmissive and absorptive components. ABS Laser Marking, High Contrast: Laser marking offers high speed, flexibility and solvent-free marking on plastics. However, achieving a high-contrast, dark mark on a light-colored background can be problematic. The new MEVOPUR ABS white compound optimizes contrast by reducing the time required to create a distinctive mark. "Color of Innovation is about equipping designers with new ideas and capabilities without compromising regulatory compliance," Duckworth continues. "This is why we say MEVOPUR helps turn every idea into an opportunity." Launched in 2010 and celebrating its 10th anniversary, the MEVOPUR product range helps medical device and pharmaceutical companies reduce regulatory non-compliance risk throughout the product lifecycle while meeting the highest standards for performance and appearance. All MEVOPUR materials are manufactured in three dedicated EN:ISO13485-2016 certified facilities and are pre-tested to ensure compliance with common standards. MEVOPUR® is a registered trademark of Clariant in many countries.