What is Electrolysis and galvanic corrosion?
Galvanic Corrosion is the corrosion that occurs when two dissimilar metals are used together in a structure and exposed to an electrolyte (salt water, chemical, petrol) and the less noble of the 2 metals will corrode. For example; aluminum sheet with steel fasteners on a boat. Some pairings of metals are more at risk of galvanic corrosion. Check a galvanic series or chart.
Electrolysis is the acceleration of the galvanic corrosion when electricity is introduced to the metals in question. Connected by an external electrical source, the less noble metal experiences accelerated galvanic corrosion.
while both processes involve metals and electrolytes, their dependence on an external voltage source distinguishes them.
Scientific and sensitive medical products often require safe packaging to ensure their integrity and functionality. This means these medical items require a high tolerance fit to prevent damage or loss of vials or other sensitive, fragile, or important items. Two materials commonly used in medical packaging are Ethafoam and Zotefoams Plastazote, both of which offer unique benefits for protecting medical products.
Ethafoam: The Go-To Foam for Shock Absorption
Ethafoam is a non-reticulated extruded expanded polyethylene foam known for its outstanding performance and dependability. It provides exceptional shock resistance, even against repeated impacts, making it an ideal choice for packaging delicate medical equipment. Ethafoam's uniform cell structure results in a fine cell, low abrasion foam with a soft feel, providing excellent abrasion resistance on sensitive surfaces. Additionally, Ethafoam is 100% recyclable, odourless, and non-crosslinked, making it environmentally friendly and suitable for various applications.
In the medical and healthcare sector, Ethafoam is used for packaging medical test equipment that requires impact protection. Its ability to absorb shock and vibration during transit ensures that sensitive medical items remain intact and functional.
Plastazote: The Preferred Foam for Medical Applications
Plastazote, a product of Zotefoams, is a nitrogen-expanded closed-cell foam that offers consistent density and cell size. It is acknowledged as the most cited thermoplastic material in medical literature and is widely used in a variety of medical and healthcare applications3. Plastazote is latex-free, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for direct skin contact. Its softness and resilience make it suitable for orthopaedic supports, prosthetics, and other medical devices that require a comfortable and protective material.
Plastazote's unique properties, such as its high energy absorption and excellent shape retention, make it an excellent choice for packaging surgical implants and other medical devices. Its compatibility with sterilization processes ensures that it can be used in various medical applications without compromising its integrity.
Conclusion
Both Ethafoam and Plastazote play crucial roles in the safe packaging of medical products. Ethafoam's shock-absorbing properties and recyclability make it a reliable choice for protecting delicate medical equipment, while Plastazote's softness, resilience, and hypoallergenic nature make it ideal for direct skin contact and orthopaedic applications. Together, these materials help ensure that sensitive medical products are safely transported and stored, maintaining their quality and functionality.
