Improved medical device have an inorganic substrate and a polymer covering at least a portion of the substrate, in which the polymer forms a structure substantially different from the structure of the substrate. Other medical devices include a flexible composite component with an inorganic substrate and a polymer covering at least over a portion of the substrate. The flexible composite component can be bent, at least, about 100 degrees without extending the material beyond its elastic limit. Corresponding methods include applying a polymer onto an inorganic substrate, such that the polymer does not conform to the shape of the substrate.