Environment-friendly medical-grade TPEs

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), also known as thermoplastic rubbers, combine the inherent benefits of plastic and rubbery materials. The application of TPEs in the medical field has further been stressed amidst the current coronavirus pandemic with global market for TPEs, assessed at $18.9 billion in 2020, expected to reach $24.2 billion by 2026, rising at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2020-2026, according to a report by reportlinker. com. In terms of regional market, the United States remains the biggest market at an estimated $5.1 billion in 2021, accounting for 27.09% of the world market for TPEs. China, the world second-largest economy, is forecast to reach an estimated size of $4.9 billion in the year 2026, with a cAGr of 7.9% through the analysis period. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at 2.8% and 4.7%, respectively, over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 3.2% CAGR while rest of European market will reach $5.6 billion by the end 2026, according to the report.

- BIANCA ALVAREZ

The extruded, recyclable, coloured, moulded and eco-friendly attributes of TPEs make them safe for use in applications such as food packaging and medical sector. Rising demand for bio-based TPEs and the growing use of TPEs in medical industry is also poised to favour market growth.

Sustainable materials that can withstand disinfection

In the area of thermoplastics, Avient corporation has launched three patent-pending grades for the point-of-sale and consumer markets. The new edgetek™ eT8900 cr series consists of semi-crystalline thermoplastic grades formulations that feature outstanding chemical and crack resistance to common consumer disinfectants versus conventional alternative polymers such as Pc/ABS, Pc/PeT, and Pc/PBT.

These materials were developed in response to consumer and industrial market demands for materials that can withstand increased cleaning and disinfecting protocols. Formulations were tested using an adapted ASTM D543 method for environmental stress cracking resistance (EScr). Results showed that these materials provide better chemical resistance and property retention versus conventional Pc blend alternatives after exposure to common consumer disinfectants, including lysol® all-purpose cleaner, Formula 409® heavy duty degreaser, and clorox® disinfectant wipes.

“The pandemic has given rise to more frequent cleaning and disinfecting, and this new normal is fuelling demand for materials that can endure increased chemical exposure without degrading,” said Matthew Mitchell, Director, Global Marketing, Specialty Engineered Materials at Avient. “This is especially true for public, high-touch surfaces that are being wiped or sprayed at increasing rates. These new grades offer application and design engineers a durable solution that reduces disinfectant-related failures, like cracking and crazing, so products and surfaces can last longer and look better.”