The Lubrizol Corporation
29400 Lakeland Boulevard, Wickliffe, Ohio 44092-2298
News Release
Lubrizol Introduces New Medical-Grade Polymer
With Flame-Retardant Technology and Matte Finish
TPU Offers enhanced safety
in today's sophisticated medical environments
CLEVELAND, May 20 2014 - Medical device manufacturers now have a new polymer for creating equipment that can help reduce the spread of fire in medical environments. A new medical-grade thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) from The Lubrizol Corporation's LifeScience Polymers business is rolling out this year, marking the first time that a medical-grade TPU also offers flame-retardant properties.
"Over the past ten years there has been tremendous growth of sophisticated electronics in medical care facilities. Now, products that help reduce the risk of fire spreading are becoming essential," says Ralf Hüther, Lubrizol LifeScience Polymers global market manager. "Lubrizol is offering a solution that delivers the inherit benefits of TPU, like chemical resistance and durability, along with the peace of mind that these products are fully compliant for use in medical spaces."
This new and innovative solution for medical devices is ideal for equipment that has direct contact with electronic connections such as touch screen monitors, pressure cuffs, EKG cables, sensor cables and more. Because Lubrizol's new TPU is flame-retardant, it reduces the risk of fire spreading, an especially critical feature in home care and medical applications where the growing use of electronics can mean an increased probability of equipment short-circuiting.
In addition to being flame-retardant, the polymer is also medical-grade. Lubrizol's medical-grade TPUs offer distinct advantages including biocompatibility data, change notification management, record retention, as well as regulatory and product compliance support. The TPU has shown to be non-cytotoxic per ISO 10993-5 test requirements.
"Our medical-grade TPUs offer the reassurance that comes from using the highest grade TPU manufactured under the strictest protocols in the industry," explains Hüther. This includes the ability of the TPU to withstand repeated high heat and harsh chemical sterilization cycles without breaking down. The Lubrizol flame retardant TPU can also take on a variety of end-effect properties such as a matte finish, soft feel, low dust tackiness and consistent quality.
The new TPUs will be part of the Tecothane(TM) product line and are offered in several grades:
- Tecothane(TM) TT-6575A TPU
- Tecothane(TM) TT-6385A TPU
- Tecothane(TM) TT-6390A TPU
- Tecothane(TM) TT-6395A TPU
- Tecothane(TM) TT-6350D TPU
Tecothane is known for its advanced customization characteristics and ability to be processed via either extruded or injection-molded methods. "We're excited about the manufacturing opportunities this product creates for medical device manufacturers and the patients they serve," says Hüther.
Lubrizol will feature the medical-grade TPU with flame-retardant properties at the MEDTEC Europe (Booth #5D40) and MD&M East (Booth #1821) shows. The company will showcase the new flame-retardant products alongside its extensive line of medical-grade TPUs - all designed to meet the stringent requirements of the healthcare industry while enhancing patient comfort.
Lubrizol's LifeScience Polymers team is focused on linking science to life by developing innovative polymer solutions and providing world-class support services to the healthcare industry. To discuss a customized solution for your particular application, contact Lubrizol LifeScience Polymers at 888-234-2436 or visit our new website: http://www.lubrizol.com/lifesciencepolymers.
About The Lubrizol Corporation
The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a technology-driven global company that combines complex, specialty chemicals to optimize the quality, performance and value of customers' products while reducing their environmental impact. It produces and supplies technologies to customers in the global transportation, industrial and consumer markets. These technologies include lubricant additives for engine oils, driveline and other transportation-related fluids, industrial lubricants, as well as additives for gasoline and diesel fuel. In addition, Lubrizol makes ingredients and additives for home care and personal care products and pharmaceuticals, and specialty materials, including plastics technology and performance coatings in the form of specialty resins and additives.
With headquarters in Wickliffe, Ohio, Lubrizol owns and operates manufacturing facilities in 17 countries, as well as sales and technical offices around the world. Founded in 1928, Lubrizol has approximately 7,500 employees worldwide. Revenues for 2013 were $6.4 billion. For more information, visit Lubrizol.com.
Tecothane(TM) is a trademark of The Lubrizol Corporation.
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Media Contact
Laura Hall
+1-216-447-6782
Website: www.lubrizol.com/lifesciencepolymers
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