Dsm IP Assets B.v.

Leo Smit

Joseph Arnold Paul Maria Simmelink

Jacob Koenen

Leonard Josef Arnold Nielaba

Darren Donald Obrigkeit

Detlef Olaf Alexander Schumann

The invention is directed to a spinal fusion cage for implantation between two adjacent vertebrae, wherein the total cage has, under a load, a maximum compression that is higher than 0.05% of the original height of the spinal fusion cage and the maximum compression does not change the structural integrity of the cage.

Spinal fusion cage

The invention relates to a process for making a multi-filament polyethylene yarn via a gel-spinning process, Wherein a spin finish is applied at least once in an amount of 0.1-10 mass % based on the filament, to a filament that contains less than 50 mass % of solvent; the spin finish comprising at least 95 mass % of at least one volatile compound having a boiling point at 0.1 MPa pressure of from 30 to 250&#xb0; C.; and the spin finish is subsequently removed by exposing the filament to a temperature of below the melting temperature of the filament. With this process a yarn is made that has a very low amount of residues on the surface of the fibres, without the need for a washing or extraction step, showing good mechanical properties, and very suited for e.g. biomedical applications. The invention further relates to a process for converting polyolefin fibres into a semi-finished or end-use product. The invention also concerns a polyethylene yarn and a semi-finished or end-use product obtainable by said processes, as well as to the use of thereof in biomedical applications.

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Ae Orisbeek, Netherlands

Leo Smit