PVC Heat stabilizers for medical applications-2

Single-use medical applications of PVC like gloves, masks, sterile syringes, blood bags, IV bags, tablet packaging, are a game-changer. Sanitization is a constant challenge in front of medical workers and historically multi-use medical devices were the main reason behind infections due to cross contaminations. 

Moreover, traditional sterilization facilities such as the use of ethylene dioxide, steam and autoclave were time-consuming. Whereas, new age sterilization techniques like gamma rays are very well suited for polymer-based medical equipment and these devices can be sealed or made ‘ready for use' in a very short time. PVC and its additives used in medical applications fulfill all the requirements of safety during the working period and retain the properties of the compound even after modern sterilization techniques.

Since PVC is not stable when it is exposed to heat, the performance of PVC is largely dependent on the additives especially heat stabilizers. In the case of manufacturing medical devices, non-toxic and eco-friendly heat stabilizers are the natural choice of processors. These stabilizers are also expected to provide final products high degree of clarity, good mechanical properties and excellent chemical resistance.

Generally, for transparent applications Calcium and Zinc based stabilizers are recommended to use.

Calcium Stearate and Zinc Stearate are the core stabilizing agents which are manufactured using plant-based stearic acid, calcium hydroxide and zinc oxide. Both of these ingredients can be used for food contact applications safely. But since these grades are to be used for medical applications, all raw materials used to manufacture stabilizers must be USP compliant. Apart from metallic stearates other organic and inorganic co-stabilizers are also used in the formulations.