The Use of Plastic in the Medical Industry

Medical technology is constantly evolving, and continues to use plastic on a daily basis to benefit the lives of so many. Plastic holds strong and waterproof properties that can act as a barrier for wounds and a vessel for transfusion purposes, amongst various other things. The use of plastic, specifically thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), in medicine is very popular due to them being hypoallergenic and extremely malleable, which makes them more comfortable for use.

These TPEs have a vast array of uses in the medical industry, ranging from cushioning for prosthetic limbs, to medical tubes, to plasters and dressings, all things that you may at first not consider when you think of plastic and its general uses.

 

Medical Tubing

Tubing is used in medicine for numerous purposes such as fluid transportation both to and from the body in the form of drips and drains for example, as well as breathing apparatus to provide a flow of oxygen and other gases to patients. As medical tubing is used so frequently, it must be cost-effective and versatile. They should be durable yet breathable, as well as being soft so as to avoid any kinks in the tubes that could cut off any vital supplies to patients. High-performance thermoplastic rubbers can be manufactured with polypropylene to create these tubes.

 

Rubber/Gels

Rubber and gel-like plastics are also used frequently in medicine, due to their strength and soft, skin-like textures. These materials can act as a replacement for silicone because of this.

 

Plastic manufacturing will continue to evolve and will, in time, develop more economical and ecological solutions to various medical problems in the future.

 

To find out more about plastic extrusion, please contact Rayda Plastics today.