Thermoplastic Earns Certification for Medical ProductsThermoplastic Earns Certification for Medical Products

Thermoplastic Earns Certification for Medical Products

A new elastomer from Thermoplastic Rubber Systems Inc. (Shirley, MA; www.trstpe.com) has earned a USP Class VI certificate of compliance for use in medical applications. The NexPrene 1200 series material is a vulcanized alloy made from ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer and polypropylene that offers several benefits over existing thermoset rubbers. "Because it is a thermoplastic," explains president Jonas Angus, "NexPrene 1200 can be extruded and injection or blow molded. Traditional materials are not amenable to these processes." Jonas also cites increased design flexibility and tolerance of gamma and E-beam sterilization as benefits. NexPrene 1200 is available in natural colors or in black with hardnesses ranging from 45 Shore A to 50 Shore D. The material tolerates high heat and is resistant to oil, making it suitable for use in gaskets, tubing, diaphragms, and valves.

Zachary Turke