A strong bond: Overmolding TPEs on polycarbonates for medical wearables

A strong bond: Overmolding TPEs on polycarbonates for medical wearables

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) and polycarbonates offer a unique combination of rigid and soft materials for housings and interfaces in wearables. To create durable devices that withstand repeated use, these materials must demonstrate strong adhesion and offer chemical resistance.

 

Combining medical-grade materials for durable devices 

Healthcare OEMs often rely on polycarbonates due to their outstanding physical properties and processability. For example, medical-grade resins that meet criteria for skin contact biocompatibility are a top choice for wearable devices. 

 

Thermoplastic Elastomers - TPEs - are more flexible materials and are also available as medical grades and are ideal for gaskets, seals, grips, handles or soft components to provide comfort for wearables.

 

Polycarbonates and TPEs are often combined by overmolding. This is done by either two-shot or insert molding, in which the two materials can be quickly joined in a molding machine to avoid adhesives or secondary assembly steps.

 

Putting adhesion and chemical resistance to the test

In a recent study, we evaluated the adhesion of Teknor Apex’s Medalist® medical-grade TPEs—which are designed for overmolding—on various medical-grade polycarbonate substrates. Peel strength measurements on overmolded test pieces of Makrolon® polycarbonate, Bayblend® PC+ABS and Makroblend® PC+polyester alloys showed strong adhesion to several Medalist® TPE grades. All failures during peel tests showed cohesive failures, while we saw slightly higher peel strengths with direct two-shot overmolding than with insert molding.

 

Wearable devices are frequently cleaned and often come into contact with skin creams or lotions that may degrade plastics. With this in mind, chemical resistance is key—so we also looked at how TPE and polycarbonate substrates stood up to isopropyl alcohol and suntan lotion. Chemical resistance tests suggest that Medalist® MD-36975 and Makrolon® 2458 polycarbonate are excellent choices for wearable devices.

 

More information pls step into the link:

 

https://solutions.covestro.com/en/highlights/articles/stories/2020/a-strong-bond-for-durable-medical-wearables