Clariant unveils functionality and processing-boosting MEVOPUR® additives at MD&M

On-going expansion of a dedicated portfolio of masterbatches and compounds for medical and pharmaceutical sector
Innovative functional and productivity solutions support differentiation and risk minimization
Pre-testing of ingredients using extraction data and biological evaluation supports customer development

Charlotte (USA), February 14, 2012 - Clariant unveils its new, extended portfolio of MEVOPUR® additives focused on enhancing functionality and processing in medical device applications at the 2012 MD&M event in Anaheim, USA.

The additives range responds to increasing cost pressures in the sector, and to the demand for device differentiation through cutting-edge performance and design. This range also helps manufactures ensure safety and ease of use and broaden the appeal to medical professionals and the self-administration market. It complements Clariant’s ISO/USP standard color range which offers vibrant color creativity for devices.

The range uses ingredients that have been evaluated using ISO10993 / USP23 parts 87 and 88. This helps medical device companies with the biocompatibility evaluation of ingredients, and allows pharmaceutical companies and converters to establish a clear extractable profile and simulation of potential leachables for packaging that have contact with drugs. The data supports quality assurance processes to help minimize risk in medical device development and lifecycle, and helps reduce customers’ development costs. Innovative functional benefits supporting product performance and design improvements are integrated into the plastics polymer material. Potential benefits include for example:

Low surface friction: permanent and immediate lowering of friction between parts reduces force to rotate, slide and actuate helping to improve the functionality of metered dose devices, such as insulin pens. Further examples include reduction of insertion resistance for catheters or elimination of oils in syringe components.
The additive masterbatch offers an effective alternative to fluorine chemistries and the lower melt viscosity improves mold release and avoids mold deposits in the final product.
Additive packages include an anti-microbial range based on MedX anti-microbial agents from SANITIZED® AG in PP, PE and PC provide manufacturers with options to increase the performance and value of their medical products. Data packages and efficacy data are available to customers to support regulatory clearances of products utilizing the MedX line.
New permanent antistatics that may reduce electrical charges on the surface to support smooth delivery of powdered drugs while offering reduced migration potential compared to conventional systems that function by migrating.

Productivity-enhancing additives focused on processing and cost improvements, include:

Next generation nucleants and process aids: Clariant’s new MEVOPUR nucleants for injection molded medical devices help reduce cycle times by up to 12% (polymer resin grade dependent) and create a potential increase in production rates. This is shown in tests using injection molded parts comparing to non-nucleated PP-H and conventional (benzoate-based) nucleants. By improving crystallization in these types of polyolefin polymers using these nucleants, the materials become more rigid and have higher heat distortion temperature.
Problems of post-mold distortion are sometimes notes with injection molded parts in polyolefins. This can also be negatively influenced by pigments causing processors to adjust machine settings for each color. These problems may occur long after device production, causing risk of poor reliability. By using Clariant’s experience in additives, a customized blend can be developed to optimize cycle-time and mechanical properties.
Laser marking additive: indelible, durable ink-free marking helps reduce concerns about solvent residues. It offers a permanent solution, attainable without contact with the marking tool, which survives repeated sterilization. Creates possibility for precise and small marking in areas that are difficult with other technologies.
Enhanced protection during sterilization: range of stabilizers help protect PP and COC from yellowing and / or maintaining physical properties during gamma / e-beam sterilization. Although gamma-stabilized medical grades of PP are available on the market, the choice is limited, and for applications requiring repeat sterilization or high doses the usual level of stabilization may not be sufficient. The MEVOPUR additive masterbatch offers the possibility of overcoming these draw-backs.

The new MEVOPUR additives range forms part of Clariant’s on-going commitment to provide Controlled, Consistent, Compliant product innovations to the medical and pharmaceutical industries. All MEVOPUR color and performance masterbatches and compounds, and additives are manufactured at Clariant’s three ISO 13485:2003 registered dedicated medical and pharmaceutical centers of competence based in the USA, Europe and Asia.

“These MEVOPUR additive developments represent Clariant’s continued commitment to bring its experience in color and additives in a wide variety of industrial applications and marry this with the understanding of risk control, consistency of product and regulatory compliance needed in the medical sector. The MEVOPUR additive range is Controlled, Consistent, Compliant and....functional,” comments Steve Duckworth, Clariant’s Head of Global Segment Medical & Pharmaceutical.