Medical tubing maker Microspec partnered with global styrenics leader Styrolution to replace PVC for its highly flexible multi-lumen tubing that makes it possible to administer different medications from one access point. The Styrolution solution offers better clarity than PVC, low drug absorption and unique processability.

Since lumens vary in shape, number, symmetry, and diameter, Microspec required an alternative material to PVC with unique processing properties to create the intricate tube structure. It was also important for the company to collaborate with a material provider that understand the strict regulatory environment for the healthcare and diagnostics (HD) industry and offer long-term recipes for its products. For this reason, Microspec turned to Styrolution for its styrene butadiene block copolymers, Styroflex and Styrolux, and Styrolution’s HD Service Package.

Microspec says it selected these products because of their excellent processability and low drug absorption. The high processability enables the production of a more complex lumen structure to provide optional tube stabilisation by inserting guide wires or rigid tubes. Styroflex and Styrolux also deliver other advantages for medical applications, such as a low yellowness index, better clarity than PVC, increased run rates, and elimination of plasticiser migration.

Styrolution says it is revitalising customer care in healthcare and diagnostics with best-in-class service packages, which offer fixed formulations and long-term notification of change. The company’s full HD Service Package also helps customers like Microspec save time and money, so they can focus their resources on product vision and design instead of regulatory requirements.

Styroflex is a styrene-butadiene block copolymer (SBC) with the properties of a thermoplastic elastomer (S-TPE), suitable for extrusion and injection moulding. Characterised by a combination of high resilience and toughness, optical clarity and process stability, Styroflex also offers good printability and adhesion to many different polymers. It is also employed as a high-performance additive to increase toughness and stress cracking resistance.

Styrolux resins are a range of thermoplastic styrene-butadiene copolymers (SBC). One of the characteristics of Styrolux copolymers is their combination of high transparency, brilliance and impact resistance. The good miscibility of Styrolux and polystyrene allows adjustment to the desired toughness, while at the same time reducing material costs. Styrolux can be extruded, thermoformed and injection moulded into a variety of high-quality products.