Effect on the mechanical properties of different types of surface treatment on sulfonated Peek - An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Introduction - Thermoplastic polymers have many potential uses in medicine and dentistry as an alternative to the commonly used titanium. Since the 1980s, polyaryletherketones (PAEKs) have been increasingly employed as biomaterials for trauma, orthopedic, and spinal implants. Due to several advantages of these materials, metal-free restorations are performing an important role in current medical therapies. PEEK is biologically inert and various surface modifications are given to increase its osseointegration potential of PEEK, Acid etching is the most simple and cost effective method of treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the surface roughness and wettability of 2 different acid etching techniques of PEEK samples - Magnetic stirring and ultrasonic. Material and methods - PEEK samples thicknesses of 2 mm and diameters of 15 mm was used in the study and the sulfonation procedure was done magnetically and ultrasonically for 6 mins and samples were rinsed with acetone for 10 mins, washed with deionized water for 10 mins and finally dried at 37°C. The results of the study were subjected to statistical analysis in SPSS software version 23.0. Independent t test was performed for the parameters. Results - when comparing 2 groups magnetic stirred sulfonated PEEK (MSPEEK) and Ultrasonic PEEK (USPEEK) results showed statistically significant difference present. (P < 0.05) in surface roughness and in wettability no significant difference is seen (P > 0.05). Conclusion - The literature suggests that PEEK offers an alternative to titanium, especially in cases of orthopedics and trauma. Its properties make it an interesting material in Dental implantology to be performed with CAD-CAM. Further studies are required to obtain sufficient scientific evidence to enable its uses as a permanent material.