| AdvanSource Biomaterials Corporation manufactures and markets thermoplastic elastomeric hydrogels under the tradename HydroThane™. HydroThane™ is a generic family of polyurethane hydrogels, with each grade having its own specific water absorption characteristics. HydroThane™ is a family of super absorbent thermoplastic, hydrophilic aliphatic polyurethane elastomers, ranging in water absorption from 5 to 25% by weight, and is offered as a clear resin in durometer hardnesses of 80A & 93 Shore A. The outstanding characteristics of this family of compounds are the ability to rapidly absorb water, high tensile strength and high elongation. The result is a polymer having lubricious characteristics, as well as being inherently bacterial resistant due to the exceptionally high water content at the surface. HydroThane™ hydrophilic polyurethane resins are thermoplastic hydrogels, which can be extruded or molded, by conventional means. Traditional hydrogels on the other hand, are thermosetting in nature, often making them difficult to fabricate, assemble , and sterilize. In addition, HydroThane pellets are elastomeric even when dehydrated, thus requiring no special storage conditions. Information provided by AdvanSource Biomaterials Corporation |
