M-GELs

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M-GELPure, 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.

 

Overview
Equivalent in medical purity to silicone gels, our M-GELS offer enhanced performance at lower cost.  Exuding mineral oil throughout their product lifetimes, these gels hydrate, moisturize and soften skin on contact for superb functionality in comfort-zone products.  In addition to softening cuticles, calluses and corns, they also provide exceptional value for easing discomfort from painful skin conditions, such as psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and extreme dryness.

 

Properties and Benefits

  • Compounds are available from the ultra soft gel range
    (10 Shore 000 - 30 Shore 00) up to lower Shore A-3 ranges.
  • Tactile differences range from low tack with a dry feel to higher tack with a moist feel.
  • Optical properties range from transparent to opaque.
    (High tack gels are usually more clear than low tack gels.)
  • Molds to the body where applied.
  • Can be enriched with natural vitamins, minerals, essential oils and anti-oxidants.
  • Gel acts as a delivery agent for soothing mineral oil, as well as additives.
  • Long product life.
  • Washable with soap and water and reusable
  • Do not support microbial or fungal growth.
  • Can be enriched with essential natural oils, vitamins and anti-oxidants.
  • Can improve appearance of scars.
  • Combinable with fabrics and material.


Applications
M-GELS in sub-Shore ranges of hardness are recommended for applications requiring both very soft tactile feel and strength, such as cushions and padding between hard surfaces and skin.

M-GELS can be formed to manufacture:

  • All-gel tubes, toe separators and spreaders
  • Sheeting for prosthetic gel socks, liners and cuticle wraps
  • Hand exercisers
  • Coated fabric products including gel tubing, gloves, socks and sleeves.

High-tack M-GELS (high co-efficient of friction) are suitable for:

  • Sheeting for wound care or skin management
  • Linings for orthotic splints and appliances
  • Gripping devices

Low-tack M-GELs (low co-efficient of friction) work well for:

  • Cushioning and comfort foot care products, including insoles
  • Prosthetic interfaces
  • Wheel chair and mattress overlays

Technology
M-GELS are two-phase systems.  A hard thermoplastic phase is coupled mechanically or chemically with a soft elastomer phase, resulting in a gel that has combined properties of the two phases. The gels cure to a very soft consistency available in a wide range of durometers, depending on the proportions of the phases.  Thermal curing can be used to apply these elastomers to fabrics as coatings. 

Production Options
M-GELS are high-strength, high-flow gels that can be processed by:

  • Casting – hot melt, open pour
  • Injection molding
  • Compression molding

Value-Added

  • Dipping
  • Coating

Custom formulations can be developed, especially in the sub 3 Shore A ranges.

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