Solvay has launched its new Zeniva ZA-600 CF30 polyetheretherketone (PEEK) designed for use in implantable device applications.

Zeniva ZA-600 CF30 PEEK is a 30% carbon fiber-reinforced, radiolucent polymer that offers modulus that is similar to cortical bone. The polymer helps implants minimize bone density reduction while maintaining normal stress on surrounding bone tissues.

The polymer is twice as strong as unmodified PEEK and is ideal foe structural, load-bearing, implantable devices that are typically used in spine, hip and knee replacements. Because of its strength, implant designers can reduce the size and scale of their devices to make them less intrusive. Zeniva ZA-600 CF30 PEEK also features creep resistance and can withstand prolonged fatigue strain.

Zeniva ZA-600 CF30 PEEK also has radiolucency, allowing implants to be seen in X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and other medical imaging techniques.

“Zeniva ZA-600 PEEK CF30 offers the orthopedic industry an innovative new structural material with the potential to dramatically reduce the manufacturing costs of implantable devices used for sports medicine, trauma and joint reconstruction,” Jeff Hrivnak, business manager for healthcare at Solvay’s Specialty Polymers global business unit, said. “Optimized for injection molding, this material opens the door to cost-effective, large-scale production of implants, offering OEMs the economic advantage they need to compete and succeed in this fast-growing market.”

The polymer is manufactured in an ISO 13485- and cGMP-compliant facility and is tested in ISO 17025 labs.