Surface-Modified Thermoplastic Elastomer Lubricant Layer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface treatments for medical devices like catheters and syringe barrels, which rely on resin coatings, suffer from reduced lubricity due to peeling or separation during use, leading to inadequate sliding properties and durability.
Innovation Solution
A surface-modified rubber or thermoplastic elastomer is created through polymerization of hydrophilic monomers in the presence of a thermal polymerization initiator, resulting in a chemically bonded lubricant layer that enhances durability and sliding properties by using monomers such as metal salt-containing, halide salt-containing, or zwitterionic monomers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lubricant layer is applied to the surface of a catheter, then lubricity is improved, but the lubricant layer peels or separates during movement, reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
A polymerization initiator is adsorbed onto the catheter surface before use, creating latent reactive sites that will activate only when needed. This preliminary preparation enables the surface to generate lubricant polymers in situ during movement, ensuring the lubricant is created rather than applied, eliminating peeling issues
Solution Approach 2:
The polymerization initiator acts as an intermediary between the catheter surface and the lubricant polymer. It adsorbs onto the surface first, then mediates the polymerization reaction of lubricant monomers, creating a chemically bonded lubricant layer that remains firmly attached during movement
2Ease of operation
If a resin coating is applied to improve sliding properties, then lubricity is enhanced, but the coating separates or peels during movement within vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical adhesion (physical coating application) with chemical adhesion (polymerization reaction). Instead of applying a resin coating that adheres mechanically, the system uses polymerization to create covalent bonds between the lubricant polymer and the catheter surface, eliminating peeling and separation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bonding mechanism from physical to chemical by introducing polymerization. The lubricant is not applied as a pre-formed coating but is generated in situ through polymerization of monomers, fundamentally changing how the lubricant attaches to the surface and maintaining integrity during movement
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a firmly bonded lubricant layer that inhibits peeling and improves the durability of sliding properties, maintaining lubricity even under stress or friction, thus enhancing the performance of medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
polymerization of a hydrophilic monomer in the presence of a thermal polymerization initiator present as an adsorbate on the surface
Implementation Method 2
polymerization of a monomer at least once in the presence of a thermal polymerization initiator present as an adsorbate on the surface
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are surface-modified rubbers or surface-modified thermoplastic elastomers, such as catheters, syringe barrels, tubes of medical instruments, and mudguard fenders, and methods for modifying the surface of rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer, wherein a lubricant layer is firmly bonded to the surface of medical devices such as catheters, syringe barrels, and tubes of medical instruments to impart lubricity to the surface and, further, improve the durability of the lubricant layer on the surface, thereby suppressing deterioration of the sliding properties. Included is a surface-modified rubber or a surface-modified thermoplastic elastomer each having a surface at least partially treated by polymerization of a monomer in the presence of a thermal polymerization initiator.