Reinforcement
Mechanical reinforcement of polymers is frequently required in medical device applications to increase pushability, torque transmission, and kink resistance. Reinforcement can be achieved by pairing multiple polymers together or by introducing reinforcing agents on a micro or macro scale.
Polymers may be enhanced by blending them with reinforcing additives such as nano composites, which increase flexural modulus while retaining elasticity.
Multiple polymers may be extruded together in configurations that optimize the beneficial qualities of each.
Braid fiber reinforcement within the wall of a polymer tubing component increases axial torque transmission and burst strength.
Coil fiber reinforcement within the wall of a polymer tubing component increases resistance to buckling failure in bending (kink resistance) without increasing axial stiffness.
Longitudinal fiber reinforcement within the wall of a polymer tubing component provides resistance to axial elongation with minimal increase in stiffness.