Medalist® Medical Grade TPEs - Versatile and Proven Elastomers for Healthcare Applications

Recent trends in the healthcare industry require new innovations in polymer technology. Medalist Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs) combine the performance characteristics of thermoset rubber with the processing ease of a thermoplastic; therefore they are suitable alternatives to a wide variety of medical-grade materials used today, like flexible PVC, TPU, and silicone. For medical-grade tubing, Medalist TPEs are the premier choice due to their high degree of purity (low level of extractables), biocompatibility, and optimal balance of economics and performance. Medalist TPEs are good candidates for single and multi-lumen tubing used in catheters, IV, drug delivery, gas supply, and chest drainage.

For medical films requiring crystal clarity and high flexibility, Medalist thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are the premier choice. The Medalist MD-53200 Series of products are formulated specifically to meet the stringent demands of the healthcare industry while balancing price and performance. Available from 65 to 90 Shore A, these TPEs can be converted into blown and calendered film or extruded sheets for medical films, bags, and bottles. The MD-53200 series is suitable for single and multi-layer films that can be heat sealed and sterilized without compromising performance.

Medalist® TPEs are the premier material choice for medical films and bags due to their biocompatibility (per ISO 10993-5), processability, and optimal balance of economics and performance. Further, there are several specialty solutions developed specifically for improved properties at low temperatures, outperforming flexible PVC in films and bags with cold storage requirements. Medalist TPEs are inherently tougher and more durable than PVC, which results in stronger, more robust films at the same thickness, or introduces the possibility of down-gauging. These materials are phthalate-free and chemically inert, and when used in bags, maintain the sterility and purity of its contents, eliminating concerns with leachables affecting the product's quality. Medalist TPEs can be used in a single layer film or in a multi-layer construction with other polymers for increased barrier properties, using a Medalist TPE as a tie-layer in between.

Medalist TPEs are used exclusively in medical and healthcare applications due to their high degree of purity (low level of extractables), biocompatibility, and optimal balance of economics and performance. Medalist TPEs present a major cost savings when used to replace latex rubber in the production of elastic films. Examples include therapy bands, tourniquets, strapping, and dental dams. High-performance Medalist TPEs mimic the elastic behavior of latex, while delivering similar properties like durability and tear strength. Medalist TPE films have the same look and feel as latex, but unlike latex films, are odor-free and non-allergenic.

Combining the performance of thermoset rubber with the processing ease of a thermoplastic, Medalist TPEs are suitable alternatives to a wide variety of medical-grade materials used today such as flexible PVC, silicone, isoprene- and latex rubber. Made with clean, FDA approved ingredients, Medalist TPEs are DEHP- and phthalate-free, and unlike rubber, do not require the use of curing agents, thus eliminating concerns of high levels of extractables or leachables. Medalist TPEs exhibit excellent flexibility and elastic recovery, and they provide a soft, pliable feel for easy manipulation in blow molded applications such as resuscitation bags, bladders, balloons, and cuffs.

Plunger stoppers serve as a key component of syringes or syringe-style dosage systems, functioning to preserve the integrity of the drug or chemical by providing an exceptional seal. Choosing the right material is crucial to the plunger stopper's performance. The stopper material needs to be chemically inert to minimize the risk of interaction with the syringe contents. A low coefficient of friction is required for optimal gliding performance against the glass or plastic barrel. Teknor Apex offers an entire portfolio of Medalist® medical-grade thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) suitable for a variety of stopper designs and requirements.

Teknor Apex entered the dropper bulb industry several decades ago with Monprene® MP-2840E, a specially formulated thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) that could mimic the haptics and elasticity of rubber. Since then, Teknor Apex’s portfolio of medical TPEs expanded under the Medalist® brand, and the MP-2840E evolved into Medalist MD-12344, a cleaner compound with fewer additives for even lower extractables. Currently, this material is the premier choice by molders and OEMs alike for dropper bulb applications. Medalist MD-12344 is resistant to acids, bases, and solvents and is suitable for both glass and plastic pipettes. With very low permeability and excellent resistance to UV, MD-12344 allows dropper bulbs to better preserve the product’s shelf life. Medalist TPEs are available in pellet form, in a light natural color or can be custom colored per your requirements.