Processing of Three‐Dimensional Laser Sintered Polyetheretherketone Composites and Testing of Osteoblast Proliferation in vitro

Abstract

Summary: The following investigation focuses on polyetheretherketone (PEEK) for bone substitutes intended for maxillofacial surgery. Different three‐dimensional discs with a diameter of 12 mm and a height of 3 mm were laser sintered. As filler materials nano‐sized carbon black and β‐tricalciumphosphate powder with an average grain size of 35 µm were used. Human osteoblasts were cultivated on the discs and examined with scanning electron microscopy. Cell vitality and cell growth was investigated. The data shows that PEEK surfaces does not suppress osteoblast proliferation.

Size, shape and flow of powders for use in Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

“…This is not surprising considering the particle morphology noticed during the SEM analysis. Several studies in the literature (Tan, Chua et al 2003;Pohle, Ponader et al 2007;Schmidt, Pohle et al 2007;von Wilmowsky, Vairaktaris et al 2008) discuss the incorporation of additives to improve the flow of new powders for SLS applications. In most cases, the addition of small quantities of powders seems to improve flowability although the mechanisms leading to this improvement are never discussed and no results are presented to support their proposals.…”

In Vivo Evaluation of ß-TCP Containing 3D Laser Sintered Poly(ether ether ketone) Composites in Pigs

“…A modified EOSINT P 380 sintering system (EOS, Krailing, Germany) was used to generate the laser sintered test specimens as described [7,8]. The layer thickness for the laser sintering of test specimens was 0.15 mm.…”

Physico-chemical behaviour of Poly (Ether Ketone) (PEK) in High Temperature Laser Sintering (HT-LS)

“…In a subsequent study by Pohle et al (2007), the same research group tried to improve the design by adding a "high-temperature inner process chamber" called the "Heating Dome" to the standard PA12 equipment. These modifications allowed the pre-heating temperature to be further increased to 345°C, the melting temperature of PEEK being approximately 370°C.…”

“…In addition to the preheating temperature difficulty, Pohle et al (2007), have raised concerns that the morphology of PEEK is highly irregular and it does not flow smoothly. Pohle et al (2007) tried to overcome this issue by introducing 1% carbon black in addition to other bioactive ingredients.…”

“…Pohle et al (2007) tried to overcome this issue by introducing 1% carbon black in addition to other bioactive ingredients. In all cases, the repose angle was reduced from 41° to 27° and the flow ability improved.…”