The quest for high temperature flexible polymers

A unique set of material properties is needed to meet the special requirements of the medical market. Flexible poly(vinyl chloride), which has occupied a pre-eminent position for nearly half a century, is increasingly being challenged by newer and more advanced polymer systems. Several propylene-based elastomers with low crystallinities are promising to be the dominant medical materials of the future. This article discusses one company's actual experiences in utilizing these new materials in medical applications.