At the World Biomaterials Congress, May 28 through June 1, DSM will introduce an important expansion of its high-performance Dyneema Purity polyethylene fibre portfolio that is targeted to provide increased lifetime and 25 per cent greater strength than the original product.
“This new material, Dyneema Purity UG, was developed specifically to meet the need for strong, stable orthopedic implants that provide consistent performance over a longer term,” Dyneema said.
“DSM is investing significant development resources to tailor Dyneema Purity grades to specific medical and surgical requirements and support the medical device companies to improve patient outcomes. Through materials innovation and ongoing collaboration with medical device companies, DSM is committed to developing new solutions that increase and extend the performance of implants.”
Dyneema Purity UG grade adds increased creep resistance and enhanced strength to the benefits of the original Dyneema Purity SGX. It is available in 110, 220, and 440 dtex.
The new product grade provides better creep resistance to support the development of implants that retain their performance for a longer period of time. Further, a 25 per cent boost in material strength can help ensure performance of the implant even under more demanding conditions.
Like all Dyneema Purity grades, the new line delivers the world’s strongest fibre, pliability, smoothness, a low coefficient of friction, and fatigue resistance. The product has been fully and successfully tested according to ISO standards for genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, sensitisation/irritation, hemocompatibility, pyrogenicity, and mutagenicity.
“New minimally invasive surgical techniques combined with the active lifestyles of many patients are driving the need for orthopedic implants and other devices that can withstand significant stresses over extended periods,” said Carina Snijder, business manager, medical, for DSM Dyneema.
“DSM is playing an important role in developing and improving advanced materials for the changing needs of the medical device industry. Building on our original success with Dyneema Purity we are diversifying this product family to target specialised requirements. Through continuous innovation, DSM is focused on developing innovative biomedical materials to support the medical device industry and improving quality of life for patients.”
DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema, the world’s strongest fibre. Dyneema is an ultra-strong polyethylene fibre that offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight. It is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40 per cent stronger than aramid fibres, both on weight for weight basis. Dyneema floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. The applications are therefore more or less unlimited. Dyneema is an important component in ropes, cables and nets in the fishing, shipping and offshore industries. It is also used in safety gloves for the metalworking industry and in fine yarns for applications in sporting goods and the medical sector. In addition, it is also used in bullet resistant armour and clothing for police and military personnel.
The material is produced in Heerlen (The Netherlands) and in Greenville, North Carolina (USA). DSM Dyneema is also a partner in a high-modulus polyethylene (HMPE) manufacturing joint venture in Japan.
