Adhesive bonding of medical and implantable devices

Although there are many commercially available medical-grade adhesives, their use for new applications requires detailed investigation. It is also important that as well as the initial joint strength, durability of the bonded components during intended use, including exposure to low and high temperatures, stress, fluids and sterilisation, are investigated. Design of accelerated ageing tests, which can simulate the service environments, is critical in providing realistic durability data. Interpretation of ageing data and lifetime prediction of the joint is essential in assessing the performance of medical devices. Emergence of new types of adhesives as well as further development of precision dispensing and rapid-curing technologies offer many exciting and commercially attractive opportunities for joining medical devices.