The successful performance of long-term wearable devices, which can be worn for several weeks, depends on an adhesive that provides excellent wear performance while remaining comfortable for the user. ARcare® 93690 is a medical-grade, pressure-sensitive adhesive developed for this specific challenge. It is engineered to be conformable and skin-friendly, making it a well-suited material for demanding long-wear applications.
Material Construction and its Role in Performance
The functionality of ARcare® 93690 is the result of its multi-layer construction, where each component is selected for its role in long-term wear and biocompatibility.
- Adhesive: The tape features the MA-161 medical-grade acrylic adhesive.
- Carrier: A white, stretchable polyurethane (PU) nonwoven serves as the tape’s backing.
- Liner: A clear PET release liner protects the adhesive, ensuring it remains clean and ready for application.
The total thickness of the product, excluding the liner, is 8 mils (203 µm).
Performance Data and Test Methods
ARcare® 93690 offers a range of features designed for long-term wear. The adhesive is non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing, and key performance metrics include:
- Moisture Management: The tape is breathable, with a high Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR) of greater than 675 g/m²/day, as determined by the Payne Cup Method.
- Adhesion: Peel adhesion on stainless steel is typically 24 oz/inch (6.7 N/25 mm), tested at a 90-degree angle and 12 ipm after a 15-minute dwell.
- Cohesion: The tape’s internal strength, measured by Static Shear, is approximately 16 minutes when holding a 500-gram weight on a ½” x ½” area at room temperature.
- Manufacturing: The force required to remove the release liner is approximately 100 g/2″, tested at a 90-degree angle and 12 ipm.
Application and Wear Time
ARcare® 93690 is developed for long-term skin contact applications.
- Primary Use: The intended application is for wearable devices, including Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM).
- Recommended Wear Time: The tape is designed for long wear times, suggested for 14-21 days.
Safety, Storage, and Handling
The material has a well-documented safety profile, having passed cytotoxicity, skin irritation, and skin sensitization testing. For best results, the product should be stored at 70°F ± 20°F (21°C ± 11°C) with a relative humidity of 50% ± 20%. The shelf life should not exceed 720 days from the date of manufacture.
For optimal bonding, surfaces should be clean and free of oil, moisture, and dust. Firm hand or lamination pressure should be used during application to ensure proper contact between the adhesive and the surface
To explore our complete portfolio of adhesive tapes for diabetes care applications, please visit the Adhesives Research Diabetes Care page.
It is important to note that all stated values are nominal and intended as a guide for selection; they are not specifications.
