SINTX Technologies | A Medical Grade PEEK Supplier

SN-PEEK: What Is It?

SINTX SN (Silicon Nitride)-PEEK composite combines the unique and beneficial bioactivity of silicon nitride with the familiar fit, feel, and processing properties of conventional polyetheretherketone (PEEK) polymer¹, ².

This material is produced by compounding an extremely fine particulate form of SINTX MC2 Si₃N₄ bioceramic into an implant grade PEEK matrix. Subsequent forming operations produce new surfaces with the same enhanced properties as the original stock composite, giving device manufacturers design and process flexibility when working with this material.

WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT?

Coating delamination concerns are avoided since the bioceramic is uniformly dispersed throughout the polymer volume instead of adhered to the surface.

In addition to exhibiting mechanical properties comparable to monolithic PEEK (see SN-PEEK datasheet), SN-PEEK has demonstrated improved imaging properties along with resistance to biofilm formation and upregulation of bone cell activity during testing in vitro³.

Request Quote

Silicon Nitride Applications

Spinal Implants

With over 40,000 human spine implantations over the past 10 years and a very low percentage of reported adverse events, FleX-SN PEEK has an excellent safety record. It is biocompatible, bioactive, and has shown bacterial resistance and superb bone affinity⁴.

Craniomaxillofacial

When used in implants for CMF applications, FleX-SN PEEK has the potential to accelerate bone healing, eliminate metal toxicity, and enhance radiographic imaging. Because it’s antipathogenic⁷^,¹⁴^,¹⁵^,¹⁶^,¹⁷, silicon nitride can also decrease infection rates and ease the health care burden associated with failed implants.

Foot Osteotomy & Fusion

Foot osteotomy procedures are performed to address fractures, bunions, hammertoe, or flat foot conditions. In these procedures, bone is cut and reshaped to alleviate pain. Implant materials are used to facilitate bone fusion.

Silicon nitride has the flexibility of a dense, porous, or combined architecture that can mimic the cortical-cancellous structure of bone¹⁸^,²⁰. This characteristic combined with numerous other benefits, such as antibacterial resistance²¹, make silicon nitride a strong consideration as an implant material in this application.

Resources