Gel FormulationsGel Formulations
GEL SMART is the preferred supplier of elastomer polymer gels for companies with particular requirements for:
• Soft gels in low and ultra-low Shore A-3 durometer ranges
Hazardous territory for most suppliers, this is comfortable home turf for GEL SMART. Maintaining consistent quality in ultra-soft gels is extraordinarily difficult, but our experience, production and QA systems guarantee the quality you depend on.
• Maximum choice and versatility
We are unique among suppliers of soft-touch gels in providing the benefits of two leading technologies using thermoplastic elastomers — along with expertise in traditional silicone gels. Our diversified line of standard gels allows you to make cost-effective choices for the performance you need.
The polymer elastomers used in our gels provide good flexibility, slip resistance, shock absorption, vibration resistance, comfort and texture to many applications. Our gels are all non-toxic and non-allergenic and will not support bacterial growth. They can be formulated to specification as clear, translucent and/or colored materials — and can carry additives, such as fragrances and moisturizers.
GEL SMART gels can also be bonded to a variety of tubular textiles, two and four-way stretch materials, pressure-sensitive adhesive surfaces, and Velcro-compatible materials.
The overviews and chart on this page will help guide you to the types of gels best suited for your purpose. And, GEL SMART experts are always available to help you identify the best gel for your application and price point.
In addition, we can provide customized variations of all standard GEL SMART gels on request.
Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) Gels
Thermoplastic elastomers are a unique class of engineered materials growing fast in popularity for soft-touch and ergonomic applications because of their versatility and cost advantages. TPEs are generically classified as either:
- Block copolymers (styrenics, copolyesters, polyurethanes and polyamides), or
- Thermoplastic/ elastomer blends and alloys (thermoplastic polyolefins and thermoplastic vulcanizates)
TPEs combine the look, feel and elasticity of conventional thermoset rubbers and silicones with the processing efficiency of plastics. Because they can be melted like plastics, they can be used for high-volume hot melt applications, injection molding and extrusions. Yet they retain superior elasticity allowing them to be stretched repeatedly to double their original length at room temperature and regain original length on release of stress.
GEL SMART’s advanced TPE technology produces materials in a wide range of hardness that are tough and durable with high tear strength. Our materials provide excellent performance at very economical cost, making them high-value alternatives to silicones in many applications.
There are two distinct families of TPE gels made available from GEL SMART:
M-GELs
Pure, Medical-Grade Mineral-Oil Thermoplastic Elastomers
These mineral oil-based visco-elastic compounds are 100% medical grade, non-allergenic and dermatologist-tested. Available in soft to medium densities, they provide the flexibility for conforming easily to bony areas of the body, such as elbows, heels, fingers and toes.
The distinguishing characteristic of M-GELS is that they exude mineral oil consistently throughout their product lifetimes. They can also be formulated to “carry” and time-release other oils, vitamins and other additives. These oils and additives soften, condition and comfort skin on contact, making M-GELS very effective for moisturizing skin-care applications.
M-GELS are a cost-effective alternative to most silicone gel applications, including · medical orthopedic products · prosthetic and orthotic products and · wound care. They are highly suitable for use in · cosmetics · skin-hydration delivery systems and · consumer health care products.
T-GELs
Versatile Standard Thermoplastic Elastomers
GEL SMART’s T-GELS are oil-based TPE gels available in soft to firm durometers. Unlike our mineral-oil based gels, T-GELS exude virtually no oil on contact with the skin. They are formulated to absorb high shock and shear forces for high-impact applications.
For practical purposes, T-GELS can be viewed as a hybrid between silicone and mineral-oil gels. They offer unique opportunities for matching the functionality of silicone at greatly reduced cost.
T-GELS are ideal for use in cushioning and shock-absorption products such as · insoles and · heel cups. They also perform extremely well in uses ranging widely from · medical devices to · personal care appliances to · sporting good products.
S-GELs
Pure Medical-Grade Silicone
Universally recognized and accepted by the medical community, silicone is consider to be the traditional top-of-the-line material for contact with the body. It is non-allergenic for most people.
Silicone gels can be formulated for hardness ranging from very soft to very firm. They generally provide good shock resistance and shear force absorption.
GEL SMART’s S-GELs are ideally suited for use in a wide range of medical products, including · orthopedic devices · prosthetic liners · wound and scar management · tubing and · catheters. They are often used as well in cosmetic and other personal care products.
