The Design Modelling of PEEK Composite for Bone Implants
This research study shows the enhancing biocompatibility and structural integrity of Hip and Femur Implants through PEEK Composite and FDM Techniques. Examines using polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) materials for improved bone implantation. While PEEK materials offer benefits such as non-toxicity, high strength, and toughness, they often fall short in replicating the strength and biological properties of natural bone. Addressing these limitations, this study presents the development and application of functional PEEK composites in designing and manufacturing hip and femur bone implants that closely emulate natural bone structures. By adopting fused deposition modelling (FDM) techniques, and have developed porous hip and femur bone implants with homogenization lattice structures. The PEEK was enhanced through extrusion, spraying and coating deposition methods, incorporating biocomposites like calcium hydroxyapatite (cHAp)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to boost the material's performance. This novel approach also involves creating a novel lattice structure to mimic the bone structure within the composite for a more realistic bone implant. The research encompasses extensive testing, including compressive and tensile tests on PEEK and its composites, comparing these with simulated outcomes. The implants, comprising varying composite aggregates (up to 30% weight), were 3D-printed and assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS). The biocompatibility of these PEEK composites was verified through in-vitro cell cytotoxicity experiments, revealing a marked improvement in cell adhesion and overall properties. The cells produced PEEK composites quicker than pure PEEK materials was observed. Adding cHAp and rGO significantly boosted the material's mechanical strengths to match those of a hip bone. The elastic modulus, anisotropy, and cell properties were also investigated, resulting in a PEEK-hydroxyapatite (HAp) composite with micropores and nanostructures, promoting bioactivity, controlled configuration distribution, and cell growth. In conclusion, this thesis not only elucidates the potential of PEEK composites in facilitating hip and femur bone implantation but also paves the way for developing more biocompatible materials. This will undeniably benefit hip and femur implantation's scientific and industries.
Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations