With the rapid progress and development of modern science and technology, silicone material has found extensive applications in the medical field. Silicone is known for its excellent biocompatibility, non-irritating properties to human tissues, minimal immune response, and the ability to maintain its original elasticity and softness when in contact with bodily fluids and tissues. It remains stable and inert, making it an ideal material for medical applications.
I. Classification of Silicone Rubber:
As society continues to evolve, the demand for environmentally friendly materials is growing. Silicone, with its unique eco-friendly nature, is gaining popularity. Silicone products are gradually replacing other materials on the market. Based on their physical properties, silicone can be classified into solid silicone and liquid silicone rubber (LSR).
Solid silicone is primarily used in compression molding products such as silicone tableware, silicone keypads, and extrusion products including silicone tubes, silicone strips, and silicone LED strips. Liquid silicone rubber is mainly used in injection molding for medical applications, such as medical respiratory masks and liquid silicone pacifiers.
II. Advantages of Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) in Medical Applications:
LSR possesses non-toxic, soft, transparent, temperature-resistant, light-resistant, chemical-resistant, and insulating properties. Extensive testing has demonstrated the excellent compatibility of liquid silicone rubber with human tissues and bodily fluids. Compared to other elastomers, LSR resists bacterial growth and does not contaminate or corrode other materials.
Additionally, LSR is colorless and tasteless, meeting strict FDA requirements. Various sterilization methods, including steam autoclaving and ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilization, can be applied to LSR materials to meet the sterility requirements of medical products.
Due to its outstanding characteristics in terms of biocompatibility and other properties, silicone is increasingly used in healthcare and medical fields. The ease of shaping LSR into complex shapes and its waste-free liquid injection molding process make it an ideal choice for medical device manufacturing.
III. Application of Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) in Medical Field:
LSR is particularly suitable for medical applications due to its lower curing temperature and higher consistency. Its suitability for automated production helps reduce contamination in cleanroom operations. Compared to high viscosity rubber silicones, LSR offers higher purity and biocompatibility.
TOGOHK is an expert in the field of liquid silicone rubber manufacturing, equipped with facilities including a Class 100,000 cleanroom, testing room, and more. The company’s extensive experience in producing LSR medical products includes dual-component LSR, multi-component LSR, and micro-molding, encompassing products like medical respiratory masks, eye implants, tear duct plugs, and silicone pacifiers.
IV. Future Market Outlook:
The application scope of liquid silicone rubber is expanding, especially in the medical terminal market. According to analysis, the medical terminal market will surpass the application of liquid silicone rubber in sectors like automobiles, consumer goods, baby care, electronics, and more. The use of LSR in the medical field is also growing, including implantable devices and wearable devices. TOGOHK is committed to providing comprehensive injection molding solutions to medical customers, contributing to the future of the medical market.
