IMPEKK® : Implantable poly-ether-ketone-ketone polymer
Introduction
IMPEKK® is designed for permanent surgical implants such as spinal, cranial, orthopedics, dental and is extremely suitable for Additive Manufacturing.
It is composed of ether (flexibilizing) and ketone (rigidifying) groups. Our IMPEKK® range possesses multiple properties such as chemical inertness, an elastic modulus close to cortical bone, an outstanding compressive strength and more. Furthermore, IMPEKK® is particularly designed for Additive Manufacturing.
Properties of IMPEKK®
- Elastic modulus close to cortical bone
- X-ray translucency
- Chemical inertness
- Outstanding compressive strength
- Toughness
- Sterilizable
The presence of an additional ketone group gives IMPEKK® polymer greater polarity and allows a better acceptance of functional fillers, providing a wide range of formulation choices for implantable medical device manufacturers. IMPEKK® polymer is composed of ether (flexibilizing) and ketone (rigidifying) groups. The more ketone groups there are, the higher the Tg (Glass Transition temperature) and the better the mechanical properties. IMPEKK® is a copolymer that includes terephthaloyl and isophthaloyl units. This modularity allows fine tuning of crystallization rate and melting point temperature (Tm).
IMPEKK® granules
IMPEKK® 1G granules:
- IMPEKK® 1G is suitable for conventional technologies such as Injection molding and extrusion.
- IMPEKK® 1G is currently available as testing and development grades.
IMPEKK® filament
IMPEKK® 3D-F is very suitable for processing by Additive manufacturing FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication technology).
IMPEKK® 3D-F is currently available as testing and development grades.
- Biocompatibility studies on IMPEKK® should be available now from H2 2023 to support our client’s developments
- Implantable grade IMPEKK 3D as Granules or Filament will be available now from 2024
