German distributor and compounder Albis Plastic (Hamburg; www.albis.com) has expanded its healthcare portfolio with the addition of Covestro’s “Texin” RxT thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPU) range. The material, which possesses the same mechanical properties as Covestro’s “Desmopan” range of thermoplastic block copolymers, is said to be particularly well suited to applications in medical technology, laboratory and diagnostics, for example in the production of tubes, catheters, housing parts, soft-touch handles, among others.

Notable characteristics of “Texin” RxT include tensile strength, abrasion resistance, elasticity and shock-absorbing properties. Its good resistance to chemicals, hydrolysis and microbes, as well as its transparency make it ideal for use in the healthcare sector, Albis said.

The Texin TPU which will be marketed by Albis worldwide is available in several hardness levels and does not contain any softeners, unlike some conventional rubber or PVC products which can cause incompatibility problems. Albis added that “Texin” RxT met various regulations including food compatibility as per the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), biocompatibility (USP Class VI or ISO10993-1), and European Pharmacopoeia requirements.