The design of modern wearable medical devices, such as In-Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) devices , requires adhesives that offer a secure, long-term bond while remaining compatible with the skin. ARcare® 93439 is a medical-grade, pressure-sensitive adhesive developed for this purpose. It is engineered to be skin-friendly and can be sterilized by e-beam or gamma methods up to 25 kGy, making it suitable for a variety of finished device requirements.
Material Construction and its Role in Performance
The functionality of ARcare® 93439 is a result of its multi-layer construction, where each component is chosen for a specific role in performance and biocompatibility.
- Adhesive: The tape features the MA-128 medical-grade adhesive, at a thickness of 2.6 mil (66 µm).
- Carrier: A Non-woven PET carrier serves as the tape’s backing, with a thickness of 11 mil (279 µm). This provides the product with excellent adhesion and conformability to the skin for long-term wear.
- Liner: A 2.0 mil (50 µm) clear polyester liner protects the adhesive, ensuring it remains clean and ready for application.
The total thickness of the tape, excluding the liner, is 13.6 mil (345 µm).
Performance Data and Test Methods
ARcare® 93439 offers a range of features designed for demanding medical applications. The adhesive is non-sensitizing, and key performance metrics include:
- Moisture Management: The tape has a high Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR) of approximately 550 g/m²/day, as determined by the Payne Cup Method.
- Adhesion: Peel adhesion on HDPE is typically 3.9 N/25 mm (14 oz/in), tested at a 90-degree angle and 12 ipm after a 15-minute dwell.
- Manufacturing: The force required to remove the polyester release liner is approximately 100 g/2″, tested at a 180-degree angle and 300 ipm.
Application and Wear Time
ARcare® 93439 is developed for long-term wear skin contact applications. The typical use for this product is with wearable In-Vitro Diagnostic devices (IVD). It is also featured within the Adhesives Research diabetes care range for use with Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM) and Insulin Pumps with a recommended wear time of up to 15 days.
Safety, Storage, and Handling
The material has a well-documented safety profile. The MA-128 base polymer and its stabilizer package have 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 one year 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
ARcare® 93439 is one of several solutions for medical wearables. 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.
