Wearable medical devices increasingly are called upon to perform a variety of important tasks, such as monitoring vital signs or delivering drugs. As their popularity grows, so too does the need for materials that satisfy the unique requirements of these devices.

To serve this growing market, Bayer MaterialScience LLC has introduced a new polycarbonate blend developed specifically for wearable devices. Makroblend M525 polycarbonate (PC)/polyester provides chemical resistance against body lotions and other chemicals while also meeting the testing requirements of ISO 10993-5 (Cytotoxicity) and ISO 10993-10 (Irritation and Sensitization) for biocompatibility.

This new plastic grade exhibits toughness, moldability and dimensional stability and can be color-matched to a wide variety of colors to satisfy the design criteria wearable devices require. The new grade offers improved overmolding performance in devices with features such as molded-in windows or tubes. Standard assembly methods such as ultrasonic welding and adhesive bonding also work quite well.

In addition to Makroblend PC/polyester blends, Bayer’s engineering plastics portfolio includes medical-grade Makrolon polycarbonate, Apec high-heat polycarbonate, Bayblend PC/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) blends, and Texin thermoplastic polyurethanes, many of which meet the requirements of FDA-modified ISO 10993-1. The company also offers Dureflex thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films for breathable wound care, and Bayfol multilayer films for medical packaging.

Bayer MaterialScience LLC

www.plastics.bayer.com