At MDM West 2025, WACKER is exhibiting ELASTOSIL® and SILPURAN® liquid silicone rubber, enabling economical production of large-scale injection-molded parts, such as medical masks. (Credit: WACKER)

WACKER Chemical Corporation  (Booth 1815) is featuring its portfolio of silicone pressure-sensitive adhesives, gamma radiation sterilization techniques for silicones, and contract manufacturing capabilities for the medical industry during MD&M West.

Silicone pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) have become the premier choice for skin-friendly adhesion in medical devices. Still, their sterilization options used to be restricted to ethylene oxide (EtO). That’s changed with the introduction of an innovative silicone PSA that confidently withstands gamma radiation sterilization. This significant advancement enhances the versatility of silicone PSAs. It unlocks a wealth of new applications in medical devices that ideally call for the unique attributes of soft silicone gel skin adhesives.

“Our healthcare center of excellence team is excited to introduce the first Silicone Gel Adhesive formulation permitting gamma sterilization as an effective alternative to ethylene oxide (EtO) processes. We are also evaluating the adhesive’s characteristics when exposed to alternative ionizing sterilization techniques such as electron beam and x-ray,” says Kyle Gaines, WACKER's healthcare solutions marketing manager for RTV silicone materials. “Our Wacker Silicone Manufactured Innovations team is ready to discuss our prototype development, technical support, and contract manufacturing services for the medical device and wound care markets.”

Further strengthening WACKER’s capabilities, Wacker Silicone Manufactured Innovations (WSMI) delivers new testing and development capabilities for silicone coating of self-adhesive applications in the healthcare sector. This includes contract manufacturing services that offer access to high-quality silicone adhesive-coated products. These are ideal for customers seeking to pilot silicones or need access to state-of-the-art coating equipment.

“The technology innovation and solutions provided by WSMI help us serve the healthcare market more effectively and efficiently, notes Richard King, Wacker Silicone Manufactured Innovations (WSMI) Commercial Leader. “By enhancing prototyping capabilities, WSMI empowers coaters, converters, and medical device designers with tailored processing recommendations and expert support.”