The development, processing and manufacture of foams for medical applications is a specialist area that requires many considerations - including performance, biocompatibility, sterilisation and the potential for skin irritation.
PVA sponge is a synthetic sponge consisting mainly of polyvinyl alcohol. It is an open-cell, highly absorbent porous material that quickly wicks away aqueous solutions. It is compressible when dry and expands when wet and has high tensile strength, good elongation and excellent resistance to most chemicals.
PVA sponges are hydrophilic and can retain 12 times their dry weight in water. The cell size can be varied according to the desired application, the finer the cell, the better the capillary action. The hydrated sponges can withstand temperatures close to 70°C and about 100°C when dry.
PVA foams are commonly used in wound dressings due to a wide range of beneficial properties. When wet, PVA foams are flexible and absorbent, helping to remove moisture and bacteria from wounds. When dry, they become more rigid. This means that they both help to protect and are easy to remove.
Medical PVA Foam
Polyurethane is used in a wide range of medical applications, including tubing, bedding and dressings. Due to its high strength, durability and ease of use, the material continues to find its way into new medical applications as an alternative to silicones and metals.
Medical polyurethanes also benefit from biocompatibility, making them ideal for use in the manufacture of implants.
Manufactured from medical grade reticulated polyurethane (PU), heat and moisture exchange (HME) foams are produced by blowing cells open to a consistent and precise size. This is one of the reasons why HME foams are ideally suited for use in medical respiratory and anaesthetic equipment and systems, and are an important component in controlling oxygen and gas uptake.
The unique structure of PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) foam offers many benefits when your products need absorbency, durability and cleaning power.
Unlike polyurethane foams or cellulose foams with separate pores, PVA foams have an open cell structure. This allows moisture to pass from one cell to another, resulting in a higher level of absorbency. Although it becomes very pliable when wet, creating an ultra-soft, lint-free and non-abrasive product, PVA is extremely durable and hard-wearing. It lasts up to six times longer than non-PVA sponge products.
Medical PVA Foam
Because it is a unique type of foam, PVA requires different handling and processing to the more widely used PU and PE foams, and this is where our extensive experience in converting and manufacturing foam products stands out.
With our extensive experience in handling PVA foams, we have the technical competence and expertise to offer our customers a truly wide range of options. Our PVA foams are available in a wide range of colours, shapes and pore sizes to suit a variety of specific applications, including for use in highly specialised areas.
We are a trusted supplier to many customers in the medical sector for complex PVA wound dressings.
When wet, PVA foams are soft, flexible and highly absorbent, drawing away moisture and bacteria. However, when dry, they become stiff. Allows easy removal of the dressing and provides an optimal healing environment.
As an established supplier to medical companies, we have developed all the necessary protocols to produce highly specialised products. We are also able to supply gamma sterilised and hermetically packaged medical PVA foams to suit the needs of our customers in the UK, Europe and beyond.
For more information about the medical PVA foam, welcome to contact us at +86 153 8000 9016 or write to us at info@munkfoam.com. We will be happy to help you out!
