An important and growing part of the textile industry is the medical and related health care and hygiene sectors. Textile materials have wide range properties such as flexibility, elasticity, strength etc.
Textiles used for medical purposes should be non-allergic, non-carcinogenic, non-toxic, and antistatic in nature, optimum fatigue endurance, bio-compatibility, flame proof, dyes must be non irritant.
The extent of the growth is due to the constant improvements and innovations in both textile technology and medical procedures.
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. Non-implantable materials: Wound dressing, bandages, plasters etc.
. Extracorporeal devices: Artificial kidney, liver and lungs.
. Implantable materials: Sutures, vascular grafts, artificial joints etc.
. Healthcare/hygiene products: Bedding, clothing, surgical gowns cloths, wipes