Tokyo, Japan – Toyochem has launched a range of pressure-sensitive PU adhesives for medical applications. They are suitable for those with sensitive skin, and can be used for products such as surgical tapes and dressing films.
The new adhesive system has high moisture permeability, the company said, with water vapour transmission rate of 2kg/m2/day, considerably higher than conventional acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives.
It includes no silicones or other substances that might contaminate coatings lines, and was formulated using expertise Toyochem has developed for protective films in the electronics industry.
While it adheres well to the skin, the adhesive’s low skin exfoliating properties give allow the material to be removed or repositioned painlessly. ‘The challenge is finding the right balance between adhesion and release,’ said Nao Nakamura, general manager of Toyochem’s adhesives division.
He added that materials for medical dressings must be sufficiently elastic to conform to skin surfaces and movement, to prevent the ingress of water, dirt or bacteria to the wound. ‘They also need to have the right amount of release to prevent trauma to the tender skin surrounding it,’ he said. ‘With the new development, we’re able to strike a fine balance that meets both requirements.’
