Evonik's PEEK polymer validated for titanium medical coatingsEvonik's PEEK polymer validated for titanium medical coatings

Coatings were applied to a large quantity of test pieces that were then exposed to a series of strict tests developed by the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM), verifying the strength and mechanical bond to VestaKeep. This validation enables Surface Dynamics to include this PEEK polymer in its Master File that resides with FDA. Medical companies submitting their devices to FDA for review using Surface Dynamics' titanium coating on VestaKeep still have to perform required tests on their specific devices, but they can now have confidence that the PEEK polymer from Evonik is compatible with this process.

"Adding VestaKeep to our Master File increases the broad range of materials we can successfully process for the medical industry," said Brett George, Vice President of Product Development at Surface Dynamics. "Our goal has always been to provide our customers with as many options as possible for their growing designs and technologies."

Many surgeons prefer to have PEEK implants coated with additional treatments that enhance and encourage fusion around the implant device, notes Evonik in a press release. There have been many attempts and technologies developed to promote additional fusion with PEEK, but with its long history of success and proven biocompatibility, titanium coating has proven the most sought after for PEEK. Titanium has been used for years in coating other types of implants and materials, such as hips and knees in the orthopedic joint replacement markets.

Evonik and Surface Dynamics will be exhibiting at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Conference in Orlando, FL, on March 2 to 4, 2016.