Evonik’s VESTAKEEP® PEEK Validated by Surface Dynamics for Titanium Coating

PARSIPPANY, N.J., February 29, 2016 – Evonik Corporation and its Resource Efficiency segment’s implant grade polyetheretherketone (PEEK) polymer VESTAKEEP® has been validated in the titanium coating processes of leading orthopedic implant coater Surface Dynamics. Evonik's PEEK polymer demonstrated the critical mechanical properties required under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) consensus standards.

Coatings were applied to a large quantity of test pieces that were then exposed to a series of strict American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) required tests, verifying the strength and mechanical bond to VESTAKEEP®. This validation was required in order for Surface Dynamics to include this PEEK polymer into their Master File that resides with the FDA. Medical companies submitting their devices to the FDA for review using Surface Dynamics unique titanium coating on Evonik's VESTAKEEP® will have to perform required tests on their specific device, but they can now have confidence that the PEEK polymer from Evonik shows the desired compatibility with this process.

"Adding Evonik's VESTAKEEP® PEEK polymer 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. 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.

"Our customers look for us to take part in the most state-of-the-art developments and processes they need to continue providing desired patient outcomes," said Andrea Napalowski, Director of Fibres, Membranes & Specialties in the Americas region for Evonik Corporation. "We already have customers who have trusted Surface Dynamics to coat VESTAKEEP®, and are very pleased to have the option to consider these types of technologies."

Evonik will be exhibiting at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) Conference in Orlando, Fla., on March 2-4, 2016, and can be visited at booth #923.

Surface Dynamics will also be exhibiting at the AAOS Conference, and can be visited at booth #861.

VESTAKEEP® is a registered trademark of Evonik Industries AG or its subsidiaries.