Healthcare & Cosmetics

Plastazote’s extensive use in Medical, Healthcare & Cosmetics applications.

Plastazote is acknowledged as the most cited thermoplastic material in medical literature. The material is used extensively in a wide variety of medical and health care applications, many of which involve direct skin contact. Where a more resilient ‘softer feel’ is required, Evazote® is often the material of choice.

Latex-free, non-toxic and hypoallergenic, the use of Plastazote and Evazote foams reduces skin irritation. These foams are also X-ray, CT and MRI lucent making them ideal for a range of splint and support applications as well as MRI vests.

Prosthetics
The ease with which AZOTE^® foams can be cut to shape or moulded, their low weight and non-irritant properties makes them a natural prosthetic material. Plastazote is well established as a lightweight cosmetic cover for upper and lower limb prostheses.

Podiatrics
For disorders of the foot such as Pes Planus (flat feet) Plantar Fasciitis (fallen arches) Pes Cavus (high arches) and Hallux Valgus (bunion) the selective use of a range of AZOTE^® foam densities is used to provide extra support.

An accurate impression of the plantar surface of the foot can be obtained by placing the foot on a piece of preheated Plastazote and applying the full body weight. Much orthopaedic footwear also depends on the lightweight pliant, shock absorbing nature of AZOTE^® foam.

Orthoses: braces, splints, collars, immobilisers & support pads
The technique of ‘moulding to body’ was established using Plastazote foam and can be used in the production of bespoke joint supports. Cervical collars and immobilising orthoses, spinal supports and splints may all benefit from the use of Plastazote. High density grades of Plastazote allow splints to be made lightweight but rigid.

Miscellaneous: utensils, buoyancy aids, pads, seats, cushions
From protection helmets to hydrotherapy equipment, exercise mats to lightweight implement handles, comfort linings to wheelchair ramps; the healthcare uses for AZOTE^® foams are extensive and varied.