Evonik: New PEEK grades for Medical Applications

For the first time, Evonik Industries (www.evonik.com) presented its VESTAKEEP® M series for medical applications at MedTec Europe in Stuttgart, March 3 to 5. The series is suitable for short-term body contact. It includes the medium-viscosity grade VESTAKEEP® M2G, the high-viscosity compound VESTAKEEP® M4G, and the powder grade VESTAKEEP® M4P.

The various biocompatibility tests according the United States Pharmacopoeia, in vivo and in vitro, are conducted by independent qualified laboratories. All test results have been negative.

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In general, PEEK is used in medical products to improve their usefulness: lighter weight, more freedom of design, and better functional integration. It is also an inexpensive alternative to metals and other materials. Its performance is distinguished by the biocompatibility, the chemical resistance, the resistance against gamma rays or X-rays, and the X-ray transparency, the outstanding resistance to hot steam sterilization, the high mechanical strength and wear and impact resistances, good electrical insulation properties, and good hydrolysis resistance.

Even though VESTAKEEP® polymers have only recently been used in medical applications, the extensive property profile of the material predestines it for a number of interesting applications, like surgical instruments, endoscopes, applications in the in vitro-diagnostic, orthopedic, spinal, and dental fields, analytical equipment, and medical dosing.

Evonik has been successfully producing and marketing high-performance polymers for more than 40 years, and is highly valued in the market for its experience in application technology. The company has successfully applied its expertise in injection molding, extrusion, compression molding, and CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) analysis to the VESTAKEEP® compounds, which were introduced into the product portfolio in 2007 and made available to Evonik´s newly acquired development partners. The collaboration is designed on the basis of a long-term partnership, which also allows for fairly long accreditation periods.

Photo: Because of a combination of mechanical properties and excellent resistances with biocompatibility, VESTAKEEP® polymers are opening up new options in the field of medicine.

Evonik Industries AG, Essen, Germany

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