Dayville, CT (March 2001) - Foster Corporation continues its leadership in medical material solutions with the introduction of low friction urethane compounds. In addition to substantially reduced friction properties these compounds maintain the unique flexibility properties inherent with urethanes. These materials offer tremendous value for mating medical components, especially surgical tubing assemblies.
Traditionally, increased lubricity through internally compounded additives, such as PTFE, adversely impacted key physical properties of urethanes. Alternatively external lubricants would diminish with time and use, and hindered adhesive bonding required in many applications. FosterÆs new low friction urethanes use a unique internal lubrication system that maintains physical properties of the base material while enhancing frictional performance to levels approaching PTFE. Additionally, this lubrication system has no adverse effect on adhesion.
According to Foster president Larry Acquarulo, "Our low friction urethane compounds have less than 1/3 the friction of unmodified urethanes in many cases, with virtually no change in tensile strength and elongation. This is truly a win-win for designers of flexible medical devices with moving parts."
In addition to improved material performance, these low friction urethane compounds have better mold flow and release properties than unmodified urethanes. This enhances production efficiencies as well as part performance due to lower molded in stress and improved part filling. These unique urethane compounds can also be developed in compliance with USP Class VI requirements and European Blue Angel standards.
Low friction urethanes represent the companyÆs emerging family of low friction polymers designed to enhance lubricity without substantial attrition in other key properties. This precision alteration technology is part of the companyÆs development of an entire line of Selectively Enhanced Polymers (SEPs).
Foster Corporation and Foster West Corporation are the global market leaders in design, development and delivery of specialty thermoplastic solutions for medical, electronic and other niche industrial markets. The companyÆs Applied Polymer Development group provides polymeric material, process and design contract development engineering services for these target markets. For more information, please call 860.774.3964.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:Dan Lazas
610.458.2038