Synthetic polymers dominate U.S. biocompatible material market
Canadian Plastics
Canadian PlasticsSynthetic polymers continue to make up more than half the U.S. biocompatible material market, according a report re...
Synthetic polymers continue to make up more than half the U.S. biocompatible material market, according a report released by research firm The Freedonia Group, based in Cleveland, Ohio.
By 2010, synthetic polymers will make up almost US$2 billion of the total biocompatible material market, which is projected to approach US$3.7 billion in the same year.
In 2005, the U.S. biocompatible material market was valued at about US$2.7 billion with synthetic polymers accounting for about US$1.4 billion.
Synthetic polymers’ popularity is due to their quality, performance and cost advantages for a broad range of applications, the report read, and demand for these materials will increase 6.8 per cent per year until 2010.
“Based on quality and safety advantages in catheters, I.V. administration sets, I.V. and blood containers, and orthopaedic implants, engineered resins will provide the best growth opportunities,” the report read. “By contrast, demand for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in biocompatible products will expand at a below average pace due to ongoing concerns about DEHP plasticizer migration.”
Growth in natural polymers will be led by Hyaluronic acid and collagen responding to expanding applictions in cosmetic surgery and wound management, however many implantable medical and dental devices will continue to be composed either partially or completely of biocompatible metals, Freedonia’s report said.
Additionally, biocompatible ceramics will be led by new generations of alumina-zirconia nanocomposites, which have a high-density structure offering excellent crack-resistance ideal for dental and orthopaedic products, according to the report.