Evonik (Essen / Germany; www.evonik.com) has expanded its product range of biocompatible high-performance polymers in its "Vestakeep” brand. The new medical implant-quality material is based on polyetheretherketone (PEEK) with barium sulphate.

The company says the material facilitates radiographic contrast without the disadvantage of artefact formation, as can be the case with other common materials for implant technology. In addition, implants made from the Vestakeep "i-Grade" PEEK do not get warm during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Evonik provides the i-Grade material in the form of resin or semi-finished products, such as plastic plates or rods.