Plastics are the dominant tubing materials for transferring blood, oxygen and nutrients, as well as play a pivotal role in many advanced medical procedures. Rapid growth of minimally invasive surgery is a key driving force for novel plastic tubing materials and designs. Advances in co-extrusion technology are aiding the evolution of plastic tubing. Developments that include special formulations offer unique combinations of desired properties such as strength, flexibility, high gas-barrier rating and lubricity. To know more about the materials suitable for medical tubing, applications, properties, etc, read Steady growth expected for plastic medical tubing

Research has found that impregnating other materials with silver nanoparticles is a practical way to exploit the germ fighting properties of silver. The extremely small size of nanoparticles means they exhibit enhanced or different properties when compared with the bulk material. The extremely small size of nanoparticles results in the particles having a large surface area relative to their volume. Silver nanoparticles can easily interact with other particles and increases their antibacterial efficiency. Read more in Silver nanoparticles will bring antibacterial properties to household products

Two new polymers have been recently introduced that can be made more environmentally responsible than traditional materials. These PBT based polymers are derived from 85% post-consumer plastic waste. They offer competitive advantage in demanding automotive applications. Read in New polymers manufactured from post consumer waste