BASF to introduce medical technology solutions at Compamed

BASF will exhibit its extensive portfolio of Hygentic products and supporting services, the safe plasticizer Hexamoll DINCH and a variety of high-performance plastics for medical technology applications at the Compamed trade show in Düsseldorf, Germany from November 16-18, the chemical company announced on October 19.

As introduced, Hygentic additives feature excellent antimicrobial effects. BASF cooperates with its customers to find solutions for medical device and equipment surfaces that durably prevent potentially hazardous microbial buildup. "Products enhanced with our additives support the measures of professional hospital hygiene," explained Edgar Eichholz, Launch Manager Medical Device Materials. This minimizes the risk of medical devices contributing to the acquisition of infections.

Hexamoll Dinch is a non-phthalate plasticizer that will make its debut at the trade show. It is developed specifically for sensitive applications with close human contact because of the material's low migration rate and good toxicological profile. Examples include enteral and parenteral nutrition and other medical applications like catheters and breathing masks.

BASF's plastics portfolio identified by the suffix "PRO", which has been geared specifically to meet the needs of the medical technology comprises two classes of materials: the Ultraform PRO range (POM: polyoxymethylene; polyacetal) and Ultradur B4520 PRO (PBT: polybutylene terephthalate). By way of customized individual product advantages, the tribological combination of plastic parts made of Ultraform PRO and Ultradur PRO translates into additional synergisms. For instance, insulin pens with excellent sliding friction properties can be produced with these materials, where Ultraform PRO accounts for low friction between the individual functional parts, while Ultradur PRO, as the sliding member, prevents annoying noises during use, said BASF.

Ultrafoam N2320 003 Pro is a new injection molding grade with higher viscosity. The N grade is suitable for production of highly stressed parts because of its high impact resistance and stiffness, such as functional parts in insulin pens, atomizing devices or dry-powder inhalers.

The new Ultrafoam H4320 Pro is tailored for processing by high speed extrusion. It is said to have high viscosity, impact-resistance, stiffness and good thermal stability. Targeted applications include plug-in connectors, handles of surgical instruments and other components that are made from semi-finished parts.

BASF will also launch the Ultradur B4520 Pro for the first time, with proper shrinkage behavior added to the high dimensional stability of PBT. As stated, it now meets the stricter requirements in terms of reproducible dimensional accuracy made on components intended for medical devices. Most importantly, this material can be easily printed on and sterilized with ionizing gamma radiation or ethylene oxide.

Along with its plastics from the "PRO" family (PRO: profile covered raw materials only), BASF offers a comprehensive service package that has been adapted specifically to the requirements of medical technology. Aside from support relating to applications technology, this package entails the explicit commitment that no changes will be made in the plastic formulation stored in the Drug Master File (DMF) at the FDA. All product grades of the PRO range have been shown to comply with the applicable international standards and tests for medical technology uses of plastics such as the EU, US and Japanese Pharmacopeias and DIN EN ISO 10993-5.