Polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as acetal, is a thermoplastic polymer derived from formaldehyde. It is known for its self-lubricating properties, dimensional stability, transparency, and wear and chemical resistance. Due to its biocompatibility and mechanical properties, POM is increasingly being used in medical devices.
Properties That Make it Suitable for Medical Applications
POM exhibits good biocompatibility, making it suitable for internal medical uses. In cytotoxicity tests as per ISO 10993-5, POM extracts show no toxic, irritant, or sensitization effects. It is non-pyrogenic and has a long history of safe clinical use. Medical Polyoxymethylene self-lubricating properties reduce friction and wear on moving parts. This results in lower particulate generation, which is important for implants and devices in direct contact with body tissues or fluids. It is also very abrasion resistant.
POM has high impact strength across a wide temperature range from -40°C to +95°C. This allows devices to withstand drops or impacts without damage. Its dimensional stability means devices maintain tight tolerances through autoclaving or repeated uses. POM is also transparent, which is beneficial for devices where visualization is important. It is impermeable to water, steam, and most chemicals, protecting devices from degradation. POM's radio-transparency enables use in CT and MRI guided procedures without image artifacts.
Uses in Medical Devices
Due to the above properties, Medical Polyoxymethylene is increasingly used in medical devices like:
Surgical and Dental Instruments: POM replaces metal in devices like bone mills, surgical blades, and dental probes for its self-lubricity, transparency, and chemical resistance. This reduces hand fatigue and improves visualization.
Orthopedic Implants: POM bushings and bearings in orthopedic implants offer low-wear performance. Its strength and resilience withstand impacts from activities of daily living.
Endoscopy Tools: POM components in gastrointestinal, urological, and arthroscopic endoscopes offer chemical resistance and transparency for clear visualization. Its strength and flexibility withstand repeated bending, twisting, and cleaning cycles.
Dialysis Components: POM pumps, valves, and connectors in dialysis machines provide leak-proof performance over many blood-contact cycles due to its impermeability.
Diagnostic Devices: Touch probing tips and inserts in 3D surface scanning devices use POM for its smooth, low-friction surface to scan without damaging tissues.
Advantages Over Competing Materials
Compared to other thermoplastics like PVC, polycarbonate and polyamide, POM provides better strength, chemical resistance and impact resistance. Though more expensive than these, its mechanical properties enable thinner wall sections for lighter devices.
Metals are stronger but increase device costs and weight. POM matches many strength requirements of aluminium and stainless steel at lower densities. It eliminates issues of corrosion, delamination or galvanic interactions seen with some metal combinations.
POM outperforms thermosets like acrylic and epoxies through its Ability to undergo gamma, EB, and EtO sterilization without degradation. Its melt processability allows integration of complex parts and close tolerances compared to machined thermosets.
Emerging Areas of Use
3D printing of Medical Polyoxymethylene is gaining ground for prototyping and low-volume production of complex, personalized medical components. POM multi-material prints combine materials like nylons for structural parts and POM for bearings in one print.
Nanocomposite POM incorporating carbon nanotubes or hydroxyapatite shows potential to deliver properties like conductivity, osteointegration and antimicrobial effects for next-gen implants. Surface modification by plasma etching or coating can further enhance POM's hemocompatibility or antibacterial efficacy.
Thanks to a unique blend of mechanical, chemical and processing advantages, polyoxymethylene continues expanding its role in medical devices. Ongoing material and process developments aim to sustainably deliver next-gen capabilities like multi-functional performances and personalized manufacturing. Its versatility and track record establish POM as a polymer well-suited for medtech innovations.
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Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163)
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