The global healthcare industry is experiencing an increase in wearable technology development, which can help improve the health of patients and lower health care costs. Wearable patches, despite still being in the early stages, hold enormous potential for the future.

A range of both flexible and rigid materials has been developed to meet the demands of the wearables market, including superior material solutions for wearable patch fixation and electronics embedding technology achieved through joint developments. The fixation material comprises breathable film and a gentle adhesive made with polyurethane raw materials. The fixation material offers users advanced moisture management and comfort, important features to ensure high patient and consumer acceptance. Electronics embedding technology enables a roll-to-roll production process, significantly enhancing production efficiency and productivity.

Combining Platilon^® films and the skin-contact adhesive Baymedix^® A from Covestro, a global thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film producer, results in a thin, soft-touch surface. It is also skin friendly and non-allergenic, making it suitable for use on delicate and sensitive skin. The material’s excellent breathability ensures good moisture evaporation, enhancing the durability of the wearable patch and protecting the electronics when exposed to a wet environment. In addition, it is possible to create custom products in various colors and thicknesses.

As previously mentioned, sensitive electronics can be directly embedded more efficiently through the roll-to-roll or roll-to-sheet process using Platilon films. The films reportedly feature superior melting behavior, allowing for uniform and consistent softening during the heating process, as well as a permanently elastic bond after cooling. Due to the material’s high viscosity, electronic components can be securely enclosed for transportation and storage.

“We are committed to serving this innovative industry by providing our customers with tailor-made polyurethane material solutions created through our joint developments,” said Chris Koppenborg, Covestro’s head of medical applications. “Solutions based on one technology will drastically increase design options and processing efficiency while reducing the complexity of value chain cooperation with a single source.”  

For more information, visit www.covestro.com.