Silicone – An Excellent Material for Clinical Applications
Silicone as Material in Medicine
Silicone is a high-quality material. It resists extreme mechanical requirements. Furthermore, it possesses a high purity grade for clinical applications (e.g. for implants).
The formulation used is defined by the subsequent application purpose, in particular with respect to the cross-linker.
Processing of High Temperature Cross-linking Silicone (HTV)
High-temperature cross-linking silicones are very important to RAUMEDIC. Aside from platinum and peroxide silicone, we also process in the extrusion liquid silicone rubber (LSR) in the liquid injection moulding process (LIM).
Addition Cross-linking Platinum Silicone
If your product is to be used as an implant, its purity plays a significant role. In this case, we use addition cross-linked platinum silicone.
The platinum in the silicone functions as a catalyst during cross-linking processes. In this process the silicone receives its final, elastomeric properties.
Addition cross-linking platinum silicone is exceptionally suitable for applications with very strict requirements since it is almost fully inert and has a profile that contains very low extractables and leachables.
The excellent biocompatibility of our silicone tubing makes them the best choice for use in implants such as PD catheters or as tubing in the pharmaceutical fluid handling area.
Peroxide Cross-linking Silicone
Through its radical reaction mechanism, the degree of cross-linking in peroxide cross-linking silicone is higher than in platinum silicone.
Because of the stronger cross-linking, the recovery properties of this material when used in peristaltic or roller pumps are better than of the platinum type. Tubing from peroxide silicone are used in various medical pumps thanks to the material’s good pumping properties.
Both material types are temperature resistant from -50°C to +250°C and retain their mechanical properties across the entire temperature range.
Applications
- Pump tubing for infusions and enteral feeding
- Extra corporal circulation
- Long-term implants
Due to its high degree of chemical purity (antioxidants, lubricants), silicones are also used in additional pharmaceutical and biotechnology products.
Injection-moulded Parts From Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR)
In addition to the platinum and peroxide tubing, we have the necessary expertise to produce injection-moulded parts from LSR.
Aside from moulded parts such as connectors, gaskets and LSR elements can be moulded directly to the tubing with the help of LIM.
Aside from the easy processing and possibility of utilising fully-automated processing, the advantages include the excellent mechanical properties of silicone.
And since it is an addition cross-linked platinum silicone, the biocompatibility is also very good of course!
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