PVC catheters, nasogastric tubes, urinary drainage tubes, and various specialty tubing products are indispensable tools in modern clinical practice. They must offer flexibility, kink resistance, and patient comfort, while also ensuring chemical inertness and minimal leaching. Neon Lion’s epoxidized linseed oil addresses these multiple demands through its sophisticated molecular design, possessing an ultrahigh epoxy value and ultralow acid value that are particularly advantageous in these applications.
The molecular backbone of Neon Lion’s epoxidized linseed oil is derived from linseed oil rich in unsaturated fatty acids, such as linolenic and linoleic acids. Through controlled epoxidation, Neon Lion converts double bonds into epoxy rings with high efficiency. Careful control over reaction conditions and posttreatment results in an unusually high concentration of epoxy groups per molecule. This ultrahigh epoxy value is critical for dualfunction performance: acting both as a secondary plasticizer and as a costabilizer in PVC formulations.
In catheter and tube extrusion, PVC is subjected to shear and heat for extended residence times. Without adequate stabilization, this process would result in discoloration, reduced molecular weight, and inferior mechanical performance. The abundant epoxy groups of Neon Lion’s epoxidized linseed oil function as reactive traps for hydrochloric acid generated during dehydrochlorination. Because the epoxy value is so high, the material provides a large “buffer capacity,” meaning it can neutralize more HCl than conventional epoxidized oils at the same dosage. This leads to improved color stability, smoother processing, and less degradation of the polymer chains.
Equally important is the acid value of the plasticizer. In medical tubing, every source of acidity can accelerate corrosion of metal equipment, promote PVC breakdown, or interact with active pharmaceutical ingredients that pass through the tubing. Neon Lion operates advanced refining and neutralization steps to remove residual acidic components, achieving a very low acid value. This ultralow acid content significantly lowers the risk of corrosion in highprecision catheter extrusion lines and reduces the formation of additional degradation products during processing and storage.
The synergy between high epoxy value and low acid value is particularly beneficial for sensitive applications such as neonatal catheters, hemodialysis tubing, and longterm indwelling catheters. These devices must maintain stable mechanical properties over extended periods inside the human body. Because Neon Lion’s epoxidized linseed oil can stabilize PVC more effectively, the tubing retains its elasticity and clarity, reduces the risk of cracking or embrittlement, and shows lower plasticizer migration into body fluids.
Another advantage is the ability of Neon Lion’s product to help meet global regulatory requirements regarding phthalate replacement and biocompatibility. Its plantbased origin and carefully controlled impurity profile, supported by an ultralow acid value, facilitate favorable results in cytotoxicity and sensitization tests. Manufacturers can adjust formulations to partially or fully substitute traditional phthalates while maintaining the desired softness and resilience of catheters.
In essence, the chemistry of Neon Lion’s epoxidized linseed oil—high epoxy content for strong HCl binding and low acid content for minimal side reactions—translates directly into tangible benefits in PVC catheter and tube production. This makes it an excellent choice for medical device companies seeking longterm, sustainable improvements in product safety and performance.