FAQ: Evonik VESTAKEEP PEEK – Medical Grade Polymer Properties & Applications

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title: “FAQ: Evonik VESTAKEEP PEEK – Medical Grade Polymer Properties & Applications”
date: “2026-06-10”
categories: [145]
—

# FAQ: Evonik VESTAKEEP PEEK – Medical Grade Polymer Properties & Applications

## What is Evonik VESTAKEEP PEEK?

VESTAKEEP is Evonik’s premium line of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) grades specifically engineered for medical and healthcare applications. As a high-performance thermoplastic, it offers exceptional biocompatibility, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength, making it ideal for implantable devices, surgical instruments, and medical equipment components.

## What are the key properties of VESTAKEEP PEEK for medical use?

**Biocompatibility**: VESTAKEEP grades comply with ISO 10993 and USP Class VI standards, ensuring safe long-term contact with human tissue.

**Sterilization Resistance**: The material withstands repeated sterilization cycles, including autoclaving (steam), gamma irradiation, ethylene oxide (EtO), and plasma sterilization, without significant degradation.

**Mechanical Strength**: With a tensile strength of 90-100 MPa and modulus of 3.6-4.0 GPa, it matches or exceeds many metals used in medical devices.

**Chemical Resistance**: Excellent resistance to chemicals, body fluids, and cleaning agents ensures durability in harsh medical environments.

**Radiolucency**: Unlike metals, PEEK is radiolucent, allowing clear X-ray and MRI imaging without interference—critical for spinal implants and orthopedic applications.

**Low Moisture Absorption**: Water absorption below 0.5% ensures dimensional stability in humid or wet environments.

## What medical applications use VESTAKEEP PEEK?

**Orthopedic Implants**: Spinal cages, bone screws, plates, and trauma fixation devices benefit from PEEK’s strength-to-weight ratio and radiolucency.

**Cardiovascular Devices**: Components for heart pumps, catheter bodies, and structural heart repair devices leverage PEEK’s biostability.

**Dental Applications**: Dental implants, abutments, and orthodontic devices use VESTAKEEP for its aesthetic properties and biocompatibility.

**Surgical Instruments**: Reusable instrument handles, forceps, and minimally invasive surgery (MIS) tools take advantage of PEEK’s sterilizability and lightweight nature.

**Neurological Implants**: Cranial plates and neurosurgical components use PEEK for its imaging compatibility and mechanical protection.

## How does VESTAKEEP compare to metals in medical applications?

**Weight**: PEEK’s density (1.3 g/cm³) is ~1/6 that of titanium and ~1/8 that of cobalt-chrome, reducing patient discomfort and device weight.

**Imaging Compatibility**: Unlike metals, PEEK doesn’t cause artifacts in CT or MRI scans, enabling better post-operative monitoring.

**Elastic Modulus**: PEEK’s modulus (3.6-4.0 GPa) is closer to bone (10-20 GPa) than titanium (110 GPa), reducing stress shielding effects.

**Corrosion Resistance**: PEEK doesn’t corrode like metals, eliminating concerns about metal ion release or galvanic corrosion.

**Processability**: PEEK can be injection molded, enabling complex geometries and cost-effective mass production compared to machined metal parts.

## What VESTAKEEP grades are available for medical applications?

**VESTAKEEP 5000 series**: High-viscosity grades for extrusion and compression molding of thick-walled parts and profiles.

**VESTAKEEP 6000 series**: Medium-viscosity grades optimized for injection molding of precision medical components.

**VESTAKEEP Care**: Specialized grades with enhanced traceability, validated processing parameters, and documentation for medical device regulatory submissions.

**VESTAKEEP GF**: Glass fiber-reinforced grades for increased stiffness in structural applications.

**VESTAKEEP CF**: Carbon fiber-reinforced grades offering maximum strength-to-weight ratio for demanding load-bearing implants.

## What are the processing considerations for VESTAKEEP PEEK?

**Drying**: Material must be dried to <0.02% moisture content before processing to prevent hydrolysis and ensure melt stability. **Melt Temperature**: Processing temperatures typically range from 370-400°C, requiring high-temperature tooling and barrel capabilities. **Mold Temperature**: Heated molds (160-180°C) are essential to achieve semi-crystalline morphology and optimal mechanical properties. **Sterilization Validation**: Medical device manufacturers must validate sterilization compatibility for their specific device design and processing history. **Regulatory Compliance**: Use of medical-grade VESTAKEEP with proper change control, material certification, and traceability documentation is critical for FDA/CE submissions. ## Where can I source VESTAKEEP PEEK for medical device manufacturing? Evonik distributes VESTAKEEP through authorized distributors and direct sales channels. For medical applications, request: - Material certification (CoA) - Regulatory support files (master file, biocompatibility data) - Processing guidelines - Sample evaluation quantities Always verify the supplier provides medical-grade material with proper traceability and change control documentation required for your quality management system (ISO 13485). --- *This FAQ provides general information about Evonik VESTAKEEP PEEK for medical applications. For specific device design, regulatory strategy, or material selection, consult with Evonik technical support and your regulatory affairs team.*