Easily Colored TPEs for Blown or Cast Film Produce Soft, Latex-Like Drapes, Gowns, and Gloves

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PAWTUCKET, RHODE ISLAND, U.S.A., January 12, 2000: New thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compounds from Teknor Apex enable suppliers of film for medical and personal-hygiene products to obtain the softness, "drape," and dry-to-the-touch feel of latex while taking advantage of the greater colorability and productivity of thermoplastics, the company announced today.

Part of the Monprene (Reg. Trademark) line of compounds produced by the Thermoplastic Elastomer Division of Teknor Apex, the new film grades provide a means of avoiding the allergenic reactions observed in some users of latex products, according to Brian Mulvany, Market Manager for Medical and Regulated Products. The compounds are in commercial use for bands and straps used in physical therapy. Other potential healthcare applications include gowns, drapes, gloves, and liners for hygiene products.

"Because Monprene film grades are processable in conventional blown- or cast-film extrusion systems," Mulvaney said, "they make possible higher rates of production than latex, which is manufactured from a liquid suspension of thermoset rubber and requires curing or vulcanization. In addition, the ease with which these new TPEs can be colored to virtually any hue is a real advantage for product differentiation, color-coding, or simply brightening the clinical or hospital environment."

A representative grade, Monprene 1564, is list-priced in the US$ 2.25 to 2.75 range. Other grades are available on a custom basis.