3D printing of surface characterisation and finite element analysis improvement of PEEK-HAP-GO in bone implant

Abstract

Research and development of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composites with high thermal conductivities and ideal thermal stabilities have become one of the hot topics in composites. However, not all PEEK composites have the necessary characteristics adequate fracture toughness to resist forces and crack propagation, with an improved mechanical and structural properties. This research evaluates a novel computational surface characterisation and finite element analysis (FEA) of polyetheretherketone and hydroxyapatite graphene oxide (PEEK-HAP-GO) in the process of 3D printing to improve fracture toughness to resist forces and crack propagation. It also focuses on increasing the hydrophilicity, surface roughness, and coating osteoconductive of PEEK-HAP-GO for the bone implant. Compression and tensile tests were performed to investigate the mechanical properties of the PEEK-HAP-GO structure. The addition of calcium phosphate and the incorporation of porosity in PEEK-HAP-GO has been identified as an effective way to improve the osseointegration of bone-implant interfaces of PEEK-HAP-GO. The further analytical structure of the particle was performed, evaluating the surface luminance structure and the profile structure of composite material in 3D printing, analysing the profile curve of the nanostructure from the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results of the uniaxial compression tests in new PEEK-HAP-GO biodegradable materials show good compressive strength suitable for loading applications. It shows melt-blending with bioactive nanoparticles can be used to produce bioactive nanocomposites like HAP-GO and is used to modify the surface structure of PEEK implants in order to make it more bioactive.