Hydrophilic coatings

Why photocurable hydrophilic coatings?

Drawing on DSM Desotech’s 40-plus years of research into photocurable materials development, DSM’s photocurable coatings offer significant benefits to patients, physicians and manufacturers of medical devices.

Minimal friction
¤ The improved lubricity of our coatings minimizes patient discomfort and tissue damage, while maximizing the device’s maneuverability and so cutting procedure times. This improved lubricity is measured both in terms of dynamic and static coefficient of friction
¤ Rapid homogeneous hydration

Superior wear-resistance
¤ This is achieved by better adhesion to substrates and minimizing extractable components

Increased safety
¤ Our coatings are biocompatible with minimal leaching. They are based on pure oligomer/polymer systems and contain no monomers or toxic solvents.
¤ Low extractables

¤ Highly reliable coating application process in manufacturing
¤ Selected properties can be optimized by adapting the chemistry and processing (e.g. for low-stress or high-stress applications)
¤ Suitable for many substrates (e.g. metals, alloys and polymers) including heat-sensitive substrates such as PVC, PU and polyamide.

All our coatings are carefully tested, both internally and by independent external bodies, and have been granted the following biocompatibility certifications:

¤ Cytotoxicity (ISO 10993-5)
¤ Irritation test (ISO 10993-10)
¤ Kligman sensitization (ISO 10993-10)