TPEs offer the formulation freedom to match or exceed the properties of many thermoset offerings for healthcare devices and equipment. Advances in TPE compounding science have helped these versatile materials make significant inroads into a variety of healthcare sectors. The desirable combination of design freedom, system cost benefits, and improved performance characteristics is fueling strong growth of TPEs in a wide range of medical applications.

3M company’s 4076 Extended Wear Medical Tape has given medical device manufacturers and engineers a long-term wear adhesive solution designed to increase patient comfort and provide a strong and reliable bond in challenging applications.

According to a new market report published by Transparency Market Research "Styrenic Block Copolymers (SEBS, SBS, SIBS) Plastics Market for Medical Applications (Medical Bags, Tubing, Wound Care, Equipments, Packaging & Diagnostic Products) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth and Forecast," the global SBC demand for medical and healthcare applications is expected to reach 177.1 kilo tons by 2018, growing at a CAGR of 5.4% for several years. In terms of revenues, the market is expected to reach USD 698.8 million in 2018, growing at a CAGR of 7.2% annually.

Pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) and contact adhesives adhere to most surfaces with very slight pressure. They are available in solvent and latex or water-based forms. Pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) and contact adhesives are often based on non-crosslinked rubber adhesives, acrylics or polyurethanes. Pressure sensitive adhesives form viscoelastic bonds that are aggressively and permanently tacky. They adhere with just finger or hand pressure and do not require activation by water, solvent or heat. Pressure sensitive adhesives are often based on non-crosslinked rubber adhesives in a latex emulsion or solvent-borne form.

Asia Pacific thermoplastic elastomers market size was USD 4.63 billion in 2014. The market is anticipated to witness significant growth over the next seven years owing to increasing automotive production in countries such as China, India, Thailand and Indonesia. Government policies to investment liberalization coupled with private players focusing on improving technologies are expected to fuel demand.

The global hot-melt adhesives market is witnessing significant growth, due to growth in end-use industries, rapid industrialization rate and expansion of packaging industry, and demand of environmental friendly adhesives and regulations for recycling.

As new technologies and materials become available, medical devices and components continue to evolve in the rapidly changing healthcare market. Over the past decade, devices ranging from surgical tools to respiratory masks, and even straightforward components like tubing and connectors, have experienced dramatic transformations in their look and functionality.

The shift in preference from using normal bitumen in the construction activities of road to use of polymer modified bitumen will propel the PMB market in coming years. The superior quality and low maintenance of the product will further push the polymer modified bitumen market to new heights in coming years. Commercial use of PMB is rising and will see immense growth opportunity in the developing countries.

SBS rubber is flexible and has the memory to return to its original form. The addition of SBS rubber to asphalt increases the flow characteristics and improves the low-temperature flexibility and fatigue resistance of roofing asphalt.  The end product is a high-performance, 2-3 ply system

Much of a label’s effectiveness is due to its adhesive. An artful label designed to encourage a purchase or a heat-resistant label made for track and trace applications will fail miserably if it doesn’t stay where it belongs. Quality graphics and print, scratch or fade resistant coatings, and sturdy substrate materials are all important features that make up a good label. Just as important is the quality of the adhesive.

PET prices across global markets have been tracking a bullish trend since October/November on the back of limited supplies as well as firm feedstock costs. According to the data from ChemOrbis Price Index, prices in major markets are currently hovering around their multi-year highs while the nearing high season in the Northern Hemisphere is supporting a firm outlook for the near term.

Medalist® Compounds Developed by Teknor Apex for Cold-Storage Applications Meet Stringent Regulatory Requirements and Open Possibility of Down-Gauging Film