Freudenberg Performance Materials has presented three additions to its foam portfolio at this week’s Compamed 2017 in Dusseldorf. These included: a direct coating of silicone adhesives, MDI-based PU foams, and superabsorbent nonwoven laminates. Activated carbon filters for ostomy applications were a further highlight at the stand.

The manufacturer of multilayer material systems comprising hydrophilic PU foams and hydroactive nonwovens debuted foams with a direct coating of silicone adhesives. Thanks to the adhesive properties of silicone, such coatings not only make it easier to apply the foam dressing, they also minimize trauma during dressing changes, according to the company.

Compared with conventional transfer coatings the patent pending innovation is said to have several advantages. It is designed to enable customers to offer wound dressings that are significantly more flexible than conventional products and adapt better to the wound bed. Furthermore, the effectiveness of antimicrobial finishes is improved. “In addition, the reduction in the number of process steps and a lower level of complexity saves energy, reduces waste and simplifies the supply chain,” the manufacturer explains.

Faster absorption and greater strength

Freudenberg Performance Materials is one of the first companies in the market to have developed an MDI-based PU foam. The innovation significantly surpasses the performance of commonly used TDI-based PU foams, the company says.

“With our new MDI-based PU foam, our customers are able to offer modern wound dressings for chronic venous leg ulcers which absorb wound fluids much faster and have significantly better retention properties. In addition, these wound dressings are much stronger,” explained Marcus Simon, Manager Market Segment Medical at Freudenberg Performance Materials.

Higher absorption and retention

Following the introduction of an MDI-based foam last year, Freudenberg Performance Materials has continued with the systematic expansion of its portfolio in this field. With immediate effect, the company has begun ISO 13485-compliant series production of laminates comprising hydrophilic PU foams and hydroactive nonwovens.

The combination of these two components, foam and nonwoven, can achieve a significant improvement in the absorption and retention of wound dressings. Customers can choose between MDI- and TDI-based foams.

Customised activated carbon filters

High-performance activated carbon filters from Freudenberg Performance Materials are used as integrated activated carbon filters in ostomy bags, targeted at the adsorption of unpleasant odours. Freudenberg Performance Materials adapts them to the individual requirements and specifications of its customers.

Thanks to the company’s ultra-modern production and finishing options, Freudenberg Performance Materials can offer a wide variety of ostomy filter variants, both on rolls and as a finished product. These can meet the specific requirements of ileostomy or colostomy products, for example.

www.freudenberg.com