Reliability and Precision in Functional Plastic Components for Drug Delivery Ian Wands DuPont Engineering Polymers Email: Ian.Wands@gbr.dupont.com
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Biography Ian Wands is DuPont Performance Polymers' European segment leader the Medical and Health Care markets. Having worked in the company for 5 years, Ian previously held a position within the Product Technical Support and Processing group, before moving to a Marketing and Application Development role within the Health Care team. Ian is based at DuPont's UK office in Stevenage. Company Profile The DuPont Performance Polymers business manufactures and sells Crastin® PBT and Rynite® PET thermoplastic polyester resins, Delrin® acetal resins, Hytrel® thermoplastic polyester elastomers, DuPont™ ETPV engineering thermoplastic vulcanizates, Minlon® mineral reinforced nylon resins, Neoprene polychloroprene, Tynex® filaments, Vespel® parts and shapes, Sorona® EP, Kalrez® perfluoroelastomer parts, Vamac® ethylene acrylic elastomers (AEM), Viton® fluoroelastomers, Viton® FreeFlow™ processing aids, Zytel® nylon resins, Zytel® PLUS nylon resins and Zytel® HTN high-performance polyamides. These products serve global markets in the aerospace, appliance, automotive, consumer, electrical, electronic, healthcare, industrial, sporting goods and many other diversified industries. DuPont (www.dupont.com) is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 90 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.
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Abstract The medical market presents a new set of challenges for polymer material suppliers. In addition to the requirement for sufficient mechanical properties, ease of processing, and reliable supply, further criteria for selected grades are often sought. This can include medical and food contact statements ensuring compliance with regulatory bodies, resistance to specific cleaning agents/sterilisation methods, strict change management controls etc. In addition, the market for Drug Delivery Devices has very specific demand from a functional part perspective to ensure the device functions in a reliable manner whenever needed, whether it is on day 1 or following a 2 year shelf life. The demands placed on such components means that polymer material selection is not a straightforward exercise, and a ‘one size fits all’ approach cannot necessarily be taken. This paper seeks to outline some of the key polymer requirements for medical applications and then look in further detail at some identified characteristics for the functional plastics parts within drug delivery devices – and the role played by Engineering Polymers. Case study examples will be used throughout to support this discussion. Looking forward, some key market trends and perceived future needs will be covered; highlighting the growing interest in sustainable product development within the market place.
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