Medical plastics, additives Stabilisers

Apart from routine quality control actions, additive analysis is often called upon in relation to testing additive effectiveness as well as in connection with food packaging and medical plastics, where the identities and levels of potentially toxic substances must be accurately known and controlled. Food contact plastics are regulated by maximum concentrations allowable in the plastic, which applies to residual monomers and processing aids as well as additives [64-66]. Analytical measurements provide not only a method of quality control but also a means of establishing the loss of stabilisers as a function of material processing and product ageing. 

Calcium-zinc stabilisers are rated as relatively nontoxic and are favoured for use in medical plastics, toys and food contact applications. They can be formulated as one-pack systems along with other additives to minimise handling problems. They normally have a self-lubricating role... 

The use is examined of plastics in medical applications with reference to the US market for additives for these products. The use of plastics for medical applications, which include products and components of equipment, and packaging, is expected to exceed 4 billion US dollars in the next two years, with perhaps double or treble that figure for the world market, it is forecasted. The regulatory bodies governing the use of additives are reviewed, and specific additives discussed include plasticisers, stabilisers, conductive additives, and lubricants. The production of compounds for use in the medical sector is examined with reference to the activities of leading companies, and brief details of product developments are included. 

Dicalcium phosphate (anhydrous or sometimes as the dihydrate) has many uses. These include glass manufacture, plastics stabilisation, fertilisers and animal feeds. In addition, it is used as a dough additive, a nutrient and a dietary supplement. In pharmacy, it is used as a tablet diluent and dispersant calcium phosphates have other medical applications [32]. Other uses include paint and pigments and in toothpaste as a secondary abrasive. 

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