Medical device manufacturer and compounder Raumedic (Helmbrechts / Germany; www.raumedic.com) has introduced an additive that reduces the coefficient of friction of thermoplastic elastomers, polyamides, polystyrenes or polyolefins. The additive does not affect the mechanical and chemical characteristics of the base material, such as dimensional stability, flow rate or tensile strength, says the company. Radiopaque settings and customised colour finishes are also possible with the material. A standard polymer in combination with this additive could also be an alternative to relatively expensive PTFE, adds the German manufacturer.

Katharina Neumann, head of the materials chemistry department at Raumedic, says the additive is suitable for catheters, which are easier to introduce into the body due to the lower gliding force. The additive could also optimise syringe systems and can be used “for all applications in which plastic has to glide well on plastic,” says Neumann.