Plastazote

PLASTAZOTE® Foam
Closed cell cross-linked polyethylene foam.
A wide range of polymer combinations is available to give increased stiffness, improved temperature resistance and improved mouldability. The inert qualities of PLASTAZOTE have led to its widespread use in healthcare applications.

ORTHOTICS
Plastazote is the natural choice for soft-touch skin contact material used in a wide variety of braces,splints, collars, immobilisers & other supports. Bespoke designs are produced using the technique of ‘moulding to body’, but many
‘standard’ orthoses, such as cervical collars and immobilisers, spinal supports and splints may all benefit from the use of Plastazote. Highdensity grades of Plastazote allow splints to be made that combine light weight with high degrees of
rigidity. All Azote foams are also X-ray, CT and MRI lucent.

PROSTHETICS
The ease with which Azote foams can be cut to shape or moulded, their low weight, durability 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 in the manufacture of orthoses to provide support. Grades can be readily heat laminated to provide differing property combinations such as soft touch and firm support. Much orthopaedic footwear also depends on the lightweight pliant, shock absorbing nature of Azote foam.

Such items as ‘common design’ inlays (insoles) and elevations are mass produced but the ‘direct to body’ moulding system is commonly used for custom orthoses. 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.