Method for making a reinforced balloon with composite materials
The method for making a reinforced balloon for a balloon catheter involves blending a polymer with a nano composite to form a composite matrix, extruding a parison from the composite matrix, blow molding the parison into a balloon and orienting the nano composite generally axially with respect to the balloon. The balloon formed has a high strength for resisting bursting. The nano composite may be carbon nanotubes, nano-ceramic fibers or a nano clay.
1. A balloon for use in a balloon catheter including a tubing, said balloon having a high strength for resisting bursting during over inflation, said balloon comprising:
a composite matrix forming a wall of the balloon, said composite matrix being formed from a polymer and a nano composite selected from the group consisting of carbon nanotubes, nano-ceramic fibers and a nano clay, said nano composite being oriented circumferentially in the wall of the balloon.
2. The balloon of claim 1 , wherein said balloon is fused to one end of a tubing of a balloon catheter.
3. The balloon of claim 1 wherein said nano-ceramic fibers are alumina fibers.
4. The balloon of claim 1 wherein said nano clay comprises platelets of nano clay.
5. A balloon for use in a balloon catheter including a tubing, said balloon having a high strength for resisting bursting during over inflation, said balloon comprising:
a composite matrix forming a wall of the balloon, said composite matrix being formed from a polymer and platelets of nano clay, said platelets of nano clay being oriented circumferentially in the wall of the balloon.
6. The balloon of claim 1 , wherein said balloon is fused to one end of a tubing of a balloon catheter.