Polyetheretherketone/Nano‐Ag‐TiO₂ composite with mechanical properties and antibacterial activity

Abstract

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is of interest because of its excellent biocompatibility. However, the lack of antimicrobial activity of PEEK limits its use in clinical applications. Silver‐loaded nano titanium dioxide (Nano‐Ag‐TiO2)/PEEK composites with different mass fractions (1, 2, 3, and 4 wt%) were prepared by hot compression molding to achieve better mechanical and antimicrobial properties. The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrum (EDS) showed that Nano‐Ag‐TiO2 successfully modified PEEK. The contact angle of Nano‐Ag‐TiO2/PEEK increased compared to PEEK (p < 0.01). The flexural strength, compressive strength, and Vickers hardness of Nano‐Ag‐TiO2/PEEK composites first increased and then decreased. When the Nano‐Ag‐TiO2 content is 3 wt%, the flexural strength of Nano‐Ag‐TiO2/PEEK composite reaches its maximum, which is 171.19 MPa; the compressive strength reaches the maximum, which is 24.7% higher than that of pure PEEK specimens; the Vickers hardness of Nano‐Ag‐TiO2/PEEK composite reaches its maximum, which is 19.84% higher than that of pure PEEK specimens. The in vitro antibacterial evaluation reveals that all Nano‐Ag‐TiO2/PEEK samples exhibited good resistance and anti‐adhesive properties against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). This finding suggests that the 3 wt% Nano‐Ag‐TiO2/PEEK composite has better mechanical properties and antimicrobial ability, which is promising for dental applications.