Classification of PEEK Medical Material

PEEK is a semi-crystalline aromatic thermoplastic polymer that belongs to the category of specialty engineering plastics. It has high heat resistance (over 260°C), excellent mechanical properties, and chemical stability, making it capable of replacing traditional materials such as metals and ceramics in many specialized fields. The synthesis of PEEK medical material involves the use of fluorine-based compounds, phenolic monomers, and diphenyl sulfone catalysts. The synthesized PEEK material contains a large amount of monomers, toxic additives, and various by-products, all of which can be harmful to the human body. Therefore, the PEEK medical material must undergo further purification to remove these residual impurities before it can be used as PEEK medical material.

Based on its purity and material performance after purification, PEEK medical material can be classified into general-use PEEK medical material and implant-grade PEEK medical material.

General-Use PEEK Medical Material

General-use PEEK medical material is most commonly applied in external fixation devices that come into contact with the body surface (such as limb fixation orthoses), short-term interventional catheters, and dental bridge supports. The application scenarios of general-use PEEK medical material typically require the material to possess certain biocompatibility, such as no cytotoxicity, no allergic reactions, no irritation or skin reactions. Additionally, it must meet the physical and chemical performance requirements necessary for the specific product.

Implant-Grade PEEK Medical Material

This type of material is commonly used in orthopedic implants (such as interbody fusion devices, ligament repair anchors, joint interface screws), neurosurgical repair patches (such as artificial skulls and maxillofacial bones), and cardiovascular products (such as heart valves and pacemaker casings).

In conclusion, PEEK medical material is a versatile material with extensive applications in the medical field, and its quality and safety are essential to ensure patient safety and the effectiveness of treatments.