Topas Advanced Polymers (TAP, Frankfurt / Germany; www.topas.com) developed what it claims to be the first cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) elastomer. The new transparent grades are targeted as a high-performance alternative to traditional flexible materials for a broad range of applications including medical devices, speciality pharmaceutical packaging and medical tubing.

The materials offer strength and stiffness suitable for a large number of flexible applications, the company said, adding that the tensile modulus is 6400 psi, elongation at break is greater than 450% and the copolymer has an 89 Shore A hardness. In addition, the elastomers’ low dielectric properties are comparable to some fluoroelastomers, providing good electrical insulation performance, while maintaining high ductility at temperatures below -80 °C.