LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Ranier M. Buchholz, MD, a representative from Renia, a manufacturer of adhesives in Cologne, Germany, discussed the importance of identifying and using proper adhesive materials in pedorthic facilities at the Pedorthic Footcare Association Annual Symposium and Exhibition, here.
Adhesive materials are crucial in the pedorthic industry to create durable products for patients. According to Buchholz, there are several key issues surrounding adhesives, which include application, evaporation, crystallization, sufficient and long-term adhesion to a surface and adequate cohesion. In order to address these issues, it is important that a pedorthist understands the material that he or she is working with, which can be done using the material’s smell, appearance, reaction to solvents and behavior when sanded.
“Material is the key to reliable bonding,” Buchholz said. “If you don’t know what material you are working with, it will be difficult.”
The most commonly used materials are leather, rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or crepe, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic rubber and polyurethane (PU), according to Buchholz. Once a material has been identified, the pedorthist will be more prepared to determine the appropriate preparation methods and adhesive.
“Modern materials require up-to-date adhesives,” Buchholz said. “And remember products like multipurpose or universal adhesives and special purpose neoprene that make almost all material combinations possible using just one glue.”
For more information:
Buchholz, R. Bonding technology and material identification in pedorthics. Presented at the Pedorthic Footcare Association Annual Symposium 2012. Nov. 1-3, Little Rock, Ark.
