Dayville, CT (October 2002) - Foster Corporation continues its leadership in material solutions for medical devices with the introduction of new cross-linked nanocomposite nylons for advanced catheter applications. These new nylon 12 formulations incorporate the latest in nanocomposite technology for precision rigidity enhancement. Additionally, formulations include cross-linkable additives that allow for further property enhancement along the entire shaft or in selected areas.
Traditionally, increases in stiffness have been achieved with fibers or particles made from glass, carbon or minerals. Foster's new nylon 12 formulations use two novel approaches to enhance mechanical properties: nano fillers and cross-linkable additives. Nano fillers are small platelets less than one nanometer thick with lengths 300 to 1,500 times greater than the thickness. These extremely high length-to-thickness ratios are unmatched by traditional reinforcements and provide substantial property improvements with low loadings. With reduced loadings, attrition in other properties, such as elongation, is minimized. The addition of only 5% nano clay in nylon 12 can increase flexural modulus over 50% while maintaining an elongation of 150%.
The addition of cross-linkable additives to these formulations provides a complimentary and uniquely different approach to polymer enhancement. These additives allow for the enhancement of mechanical properties of the finished catheter when exposed to gamma or electron beam radiation. This offers a unique opportunity to improve rigidity along the entire shaft or in selected areas by masking where enhancement is undesired. Cross linking of a nylon 12 nanocomposite can further increase the flexural modulus nearly 20% in the targeted areas while elongation remains 120%.
According to president Larry Acquarulo, "These new nylon 12 formulations provide benefits that could only previously be accomplished by increasing wall thickness that are tapered along the shaft. These materials achieve the same benefits in unchanging, thin wall sections, which are essential in todayÆs precision catheter based devices. The ability to precision tailor stiffness of the shaft allows for greater device control by the physician."
Cross-linked nanocomposite nylons represent continued growth in the company's family of nanocomposite materials. This precision tailoring technology is part of the company's line of Selectively Enhanced Polymers (SEP).
Foster Corporation is a global market leader in design, development and delivery of specialty thermoplastic solutions for medical, electronic and other niche industrial markets. The company also provides a broad range of material, process and design contract engineering services for these target markets. For more information, please call 860.774.3964.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dan Lazas
610.458.5580