May, 15, 2013 - Arkema´s new Rilsan® Clear G-170 MED is a fully transparent polyamide for use in breathing masks, tubing and other transparent medical components. According to Arkema, Rilsan® Clear G-170 MED is more transparent than glass, lighter and more flexible than polycarbonate for applications in which patient comfort is required.

The rise in home healthcare is expected to increase demand for consumer-friendly medical devices. Reduced weight and improved flexibility of devices worn by patients for continuous periods of time, such as masks, may help improve compliance. Transparency of components used in these devices can improve function and aesthetics.

Rilsan® Clear G-170 MED is designed for innovative transparent medical device components. According to Arkema, light transmittance of this new medical grade is 91%, exceeding that of glass. The company states that Rilsan® Clear G-170 MED is sterilization resistant and, with a specific gravity of 1.05, 12% lighter than traditional transparent medical plastics, such as polycarbonates, resulting in devices that are easier to carry or wear for extended periods of time. Such complex devices often require flexibility for a better assemble ability and to improve patient comfort or mobility. Rilsan® Clear polyamide has a flexural modulus of 2,020 MPa (293,000 psi), representing a 16% improvement in flexibility compared to polycarbonate.

Rilsan® Clear G-170 MED was presented at MEDTEC France, Lyon (May 15-16) and will be also introduced at MD&M East, Philadelphia (June 18-20), where Arkema will be present on Velox GmbH and Foster Corp booths, respectively. These are also opportunities for the professionals of this field to review Arkema’s specialty polyamides MED range, a world reference for use in minimally invasive devices like catheters, angioplasty balloons, nutrition bags, etc.

Following on the success of Pebax® SA 01 MED, Rilsan® MED and Rilsamid® MED, which are now an industry standard in cardiovascular devices, including catheters, because of its commitment to innovation, Arkema constantly develops and proposes new high performance materials for healthcare applications. Highly hydrophilic Pebax® MV 1074 SA 01 MED, was recently introduced. According to Arkema, it offers high moisture absorption and is a unique solution to enhance lubricity of medical devices against wet bodily tissues.

A global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer, Arkema produces specialty chemicals that provide solutions to such challenges as climate change, access to drinking water, the future of energy, fossil fuel preservation and the need for lighter materials. With operations in more than 40 countries, some 14,000 employees and 10 research centers, Arkema should generate annual revenue of approximately $8.3 billion, and holds leadership positions in all its markets with a portfolio of internationally recognized brands.

Source: Arkema