New materials for improved barrier protection

In battling the COVID-19 pandemic, massive demand for single-use gowns, gloves, masks and face shields have been recorded.

- ALYSSA BUENO

These supplies are necessary to complete a set of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the frontline health workers. As a result, the global medical plastics market size is projected to reach US$54.29 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period. The meteoric rise in the demand for PPEs across countries will inevitably fuel the uptake of these plastics, according to Fortune Business Insights™. Furthermore, on the report of Research and Markets, there has been an increasing demand for plastic ventilator components and single-use packaging for medical equipment. The medical sector is considerably using more single-use plastics to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission.

Innovative materials such as thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) respond to the functional issues related to PPE designs, owing to their versatility and durability. The advantages of mechanical properties coupled with biocompatibility, make TPEs well-suited for medical applications in parts sealing, strips, handles, and more.

PPE manufacturers are heavily encouraged to massproduce without compromising the quality of the equipment. Durability and comfort are two of the factors that manufacturers aim to provide. Several leading companies have responded to the industry’s call for materials to support the demand for PPEs. For KRAIBURG TPE, this is made possible through THERMOLAST® M thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) for the medical and pharmaceutical industries with medical approvals such as ISO 10993-4, -5, -10, -11 and USP class VI. Another company, SABIC, has rapidly supplied significant quantities of thermoplastics to two Chinese medical device manufacturers despite shutdowns and demand surge for materials.

Enhanced protection for PPEs