28 Mar 2008
NEW DYNEEMA PURITY® UG GRADE DELIVERS ENHANCED PERFORMANCE TO SUPPORT LONG-TERM STRENGTH OF IMPLANTS
DSM Dyneema Meets Demand for Stronger and More Stable Material to support improved Patient Outcomes over the Long Term
URMOND (NL) – 28 March 2008 – At the World Biomaterials Congress, May 28 till June 1, DSM will introduce an important expansion of its high-performance Dyneema Purity® polyethylene fiber portfolio that is targeted to provide increased lifetime and 25 percent 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. 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 percent 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 fiber, 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, sensitization/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 specialized 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.”
About DSM Dyneema
DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™. Dyneema® is an ultra strong polyethylene fiber that offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight. It is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibers, 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. Dyneema® 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, Dyneema® is also used in bullet resistant armor and clothing for police and military personnel.
Dyneema® is produced in Heerlen (The Netherlands) and in Greenville, North Carolina (U.S.A.). DSM Dyneema is also a partner in a high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) manufacturing joint venture in Japan. Further information on DSM Dyneema is available at www.dyneema.com and www.implantmorestrength.com.
DSM – the Life Sciences and Materials Sciences Company
DSM creates innovative products and services in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences that contribute to the quality of life. DSM’s products and services are used globally in a wide range of markets and applications, supporting a healthier, more sustainable and more enjoyable way of life. End markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrics and electronics, life protection and housing. DSM has annual sales of almost EUR 8.8 billion and employs some 23,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations on five continents. DSM is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information on DSM can be found at www.dsm.com.
Dyneema®, Dyneema Purity® and Dyneema®, the world's strongest fiber™ are trademark(s) (applications) owned by Royal DSM N.V.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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Notes for editors
Anouk Luykx