Medco Coated Product Releases Resutls of Adhesive Coated Breathabel Film Study

CLEVELAND, OHIO - Medco Coated Products, a division of Medco Labs, announced the release of a Moisture Vapor Transmission Ratio (MVTR) study that it conducted. The research established guidelines for product developers to use in selecting the correct adhesive coated breathable film. The study points out how various physical properties either compete or complement one another and also demonstrates the effects that film and adhesive choices have on moisture vapor permeability of a product. Examples of specific medical product applications using adhesive coated breathable films that will benefit from the research include: wound care products, IV site dressings, ostomy attachments, surgical drapes, and other attachments to the skin.

"Medco conducted this study because it recognized a need for guidelines that would assist product developers with balancing mechanical and adhesion properties with MVTR requirements while achieving their end product objectives," stated Mark Fenton, President of Medco Coated Products and co-author of the study. "Our research results will assist product developers in meeting the challenge of optimizing breathability, softness and drapability of a finished product without sacrificing its required mechanical strength or adhesion levels."

Jim Miller, Technical Director of Medco Coated Products, conducted the laboratory study over six months. "Data collection and findings demonstrate the wide variety of film and adhesive materials employed," stated Mr. Miller. "Medco has the capability to design many different end products using a selective combination of a particular film, adhesive and coating weight. Very specific customer requirements can be dialed in this way."

The following graphs display relevant findings of the research. Figure 1 illustrates the MVTR properties of various polyurethane films as determined by ASTM E-96. Figure 2 demonstrates the MVTR values as the result of adding a layer of the same adhesive at the same coat weight to different urethane films having various MVTR levels. Figure 3 displays the MVTR value of the film that has been coated with one pressure sensitive adhesive at different coating weights and includes one pattern-coated sample. Figure 4 shows the MVTR versus adhesive coat weight of five different adhesives.

Medco Coated Products, a division of Medco Labs, Inc., is a GMP manufacturer specializing in custom coating, laminating and slitting of adhesive transfer films, breathable films, plastic films, nonwovens, foams, papers, cloths, and foil materials for single and double coated medical and industrial products. Medco’s specialty products find usage in many diverse markets: medical, textile, electronics, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and general industrial.

Medco Labs, founded in 1989, is also the parent company of Medco Consumer Products. This new division functions as a product development and manufacturing unit and its primary focus is on using in-house coated materials technology for retail consumer products including transdermal patches and wet and dry coated wiping cloths for medical, cosmetic, personal care and general home care products.

For more information or to request a copy of the study email: info@medcolabs.com.