Surface Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Nanocomposites Reinforced by Nano-Sized Silica (SiO2) for Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry

Abstract

In the field of orthopedics and traumatology, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) serves a significant role as a suitable alternative to traditional metal-based implants like titanium. PEEK is being used more commonly to replace traditional dental products. For bonding with various adhesive agents and preserved teeth, the surface alteration of PEEK was investigated. The aim of this research was to understand how different types and contents of nano-sized silica (SiO2) fillers influenced the surface and mechanical properties of PEEK nanocomposites used in prosthodontics. In this work, PEEK based nanocomposites containing hydrophilic or hydrophobic nano-silica were prepared by a compression molding technique. The influence of nano-SiO2 type and content (10, 20 and 30% wt) on surface properties of the resultant nanocomposites was investigated by the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), surface roughness analysis, and contact angle measurement. The crystalline structures of PEEK/SiO2 nanocomposites were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy. Mechanical properties were measured by microhardness, elastic compression modulus, and flexural strength. All nanocomposites showed increased surface roughness compared to pure PEEK. SEM images revealed that nanocomposites filled with low content hydrophobic nano-SiO2 showed uniform dispersion within the PEEK matrix. The introduction of 10 wt% of hydrophobic nano-SiO2 to the PEEK matrix improved elastic modulus, flexural strength, and microhardness, according to the findings. The addition of nano-SiO2 fillers in a higher weight percentage, over 10%, significantly damages the mechanical characteristics of the resultant nanocomposite. On the basis of the obtained results, PEEK/SiO2 nanocomposites loaded with low content hydrophobic nano-SiO2 are recommended as promising candidates for orthopedic and prosthodontics materials.

A Comprehensive Evaluation of Mechanical, Thermal, and Antibacterial Properties of PLA/ZnO Nanoflower Biocomposite Filaments for 3D Printing Application

“…We found that the tensile strength of the PLA/ZnO biocomposite filaments gradually decreased with increasing ZnO nanoflower contents ( Figure 6 a). The PLA/ZnO-5 encountered a decrease in tensile strength because of the higher ZnO nanoflower contents, caused by filler agglomeration during the melt extrusion process, resulting in poor interfacial adhesion of particles and matrix [ 39 , 40 ]. From Table 2 , the modulus strength of the PLA/ZnO biocomposite filaments decreased when the ZnO nanoflower contents increased.…”

Preparation, Physicochemical Assessment and the Antimicrobial Action of Hydroxyapatite–Gelatin/Curcumin Nanofibrous Composites as a Dental Biomaterial

“…Nanocomposites have recently been used enormously in the dentistry field. For the treatment of oral disorders, they may be utilized as drug delivery systems, fillers, restorative substances, and tissue engineering components [ 17 , 18 , 19 ]. Fiber nanocomposites have a high surface-to-volume ratio, owing to their fiber shape.…”

PEEK in Fixed Dental Prostheses: Application and Adhesion Improvement

“…It remains unclear as to which fabrication method is best for PEEK in prosthetic dentistry, and this is another area that requires further development. It is known that the superior performance exhibited by PEEK in fixed restorations can be further improved by adjusting the properties of PEEK via glass-or carbon-fiber reinforcement (GFR-PEEK, CFR-PEEK) [21,109], particle filling (nano-sized silica, titanium dioxide, nano-hydroxyapatite, amorphous magnesium phosphate) [110][111][112][113][114][115], and coating (titanium, methyl methacrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, polydopamine) [67,116,117]. Some of these materials have also been shown to improve the bonding strength of PEEK [67,113,117].…”