RICHMOND, Va., Nov. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Filtrona Porous Technologies, manufacturer of custom fluid handling fiber and foam components for the medical device and healthcare industry, and a division of UK-based Filtrona plc (Pink Sheets: FLRAF), has recently developed a unique foam-fiber hybrid component for select medical and personal care markets, specifically wound care. Referred to as MediSponge® RBR, the patent-pending foam-fiber composite consists of a soft, highly absorbent foam with hydrophilic properties structurally enhanced by the addition of a fiber matrix. The development represents yet another innovation by Filtrona Porous Technologies in the area of specialty healthcare industry products.

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Hydrophilic foam's presence as a wound dressing material has increased dramatically the last several years, featuring prominently in select advanced wound care settings. MediSponge RBR now expands the technology's application range within this market. To date, one delimiting characteristic of hydrophilic foam is its tensile and structural strength when wet, especially when exposed to moist or damp conditions for a substantial period of time. This consideration has mitigated the media's full potential with longer-term, advanced wound applications desirous of reduced dressing changes, even including, when combined with its expansive properties, some negative pressure therapy environments.

Filtrona's new MediSponge RBR overcomes these limitations. MediSponge RBR incorporates to the foam media a fiber matrix that acts as a reinforcement or rebar-like structural enhancement. Versus the standard wet hydrophilic foam material, the average tensile strength, tear strength, and expansion properties may be improved by as much as 600 times, 40 times, and near 2 times respectively. These product technology enhancements among others make it an ideal material to consider for foam dressing applications for long-term advanced wound care.

In late 2008 Filtrona united the fiber and foam technology divisions under the Porous Technologies umbrella with the intent to bring customers unique solutions from a variety of base porous media. This foam-fiber composite innovation behind MediSponge RBR exemplifies Filtrona Porous Technologies' expertise with applications development for select market needs.

About Filtrona Porous Technologies

Based in Richmond, Virginia USA, Filtrona Porous Technologies (www.filtrona-fpt.com) is a leading manufacturer of customized bonded fiber and hydrophilic foam components for fluid and vapor handling used in consumer, medical and industrial products. Filtrona Porous Technologies has manufacturing locations in North America, Europe and Asia, and is a division of Filtrona plc, a global specialty plastic and fiber products supplier based in the United Kingdom.

SOURCE Filtrona Porous Technologies

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