New Line of Medical-Grade Silicone Debuts at Compamed

New product introductions continue at Compamed, the medical supplier exhibition co-located with the Medica 2011 trade show in Dusseldorf, Germany.

On Nov. 17, Bluestar Silicones launched its new line of Silbione RT Foams during the annual event. Silbione RT is a line of liquid material that enablesthe production of silicones foams, with low density (from 0.18 to 0.25) and open cells, which the company says are certified as biocompatible, according to the company.

Lyon, France-based Bluestar Silicones’ portfolio includes silicone for dental and audiology applications, orthotics, prosthetics and comfort care, medical devices and skin/wound management. This new lines adds to the company’s lines of liquid silicone rubber, heat-cured rubber, specialty fluids, gels, emulsions, dispersions and adhesives.

One of the most tested biomaterials, silicone increasingly is used in medical applications for its biocompatibility and high-performance physical properties.

“Thanks to a very accurate study of the basic mechanisms, we have designed a new Silbione RT Foam range which combines low density with excellent mechanical properties,” said Delphine Blanc, Ph.D., senior scientist at Bluestar Silicones.

How does it work?

The foams are delivered in a two component-package of low-viscosity fluids. Once part A and part B are mixed, two reactions start simultaneously. Silicone elastomers cross link to from a polyaddition reaction with no byproducts, and hydrogen gas is released to promote cell formation.

According to the company’s technical experts, the technology—which is still patent pending—is able to “manage the competition between curing and foaming kinetics, a key parameter to control density and open versus closed cells.” They claim it makes the silicone “flexible” to the varying needs of OEMs so that “tailor-made” silicone foams with “extreme performance” can be created.

Bluestar Silicones representatives say they work closely with medical device customers to assess specific end-use requirements. This allows them to develop customized products based on clinical need.