Wacker introduces silicone product range for medical applications

Wacker, the Munich-based chemical manufacturer in Germany, has expanded its silicone product portfolio with a special product range for medical use.

As the trade name SILPURAN implies, these products feature ultra-high purity. Their special property profile targets medical-sector needs such as biocompatibility, a feature often required by today's medical products.

The SILPURAN range boasts a variety of different property profiles. SILPURAN 6600, for example, is of particular interest to the medical sector. This liquid silicone rubber exhibits a low friction coefficient, although it contains no liquid or oil that is exuded. Its low surface friction considerably eases the processor's task of assembling complex medical equipment.

Self-adhesive specialty silicones such as SILPURAN 6700 und SILPURAN 6701 address cost and safety issues – currently the medical sector's focus of attention. They bond securely to thermoplastics such as polybutylenterephthalate and polycarbonate without the need for adhesion promoters. This allows for fully automatic and cost-efficient production of medical composite parts by the two-component injection molding technique.

Adhesive bandages and wound dressings coated with SILPURAN are well suited for medical dressings due to their good breathability and vapor permeability. At the same time, the wound is protected from external influences, such as bacteria and water. Wound dressings with SILPURAN can be removed easily and gently without causing trauma to the wound and so actively promote the healing process.

Due to ever-stringent sterility requirements, many medical products are manufactured under clean-room conditions these days.