French chemicals producer Arkema (Colombes; www.arkema.com) has introduced “Rilsan” Clear G-170 MED, a fully transparent polyamide for use in breathing masks, tubing and other transparent medical components. The company claims that the material is more transparent than glass with light transmittance of 91%, and lighter and more flexible than PC, leading to devices such as masks having reduced weight and improved flexibility – increasing patient comfort when worn for long periods of time.

The company recently redesignated its range speciality PA medical grades to include “MED” in their nomenclature – see Plasteurope.com from 12.02.2013.