3D printed Polyether ether ketone (PEEK), Polyamide (PA) and its evaluation of mechanical properties and its uses in healthcare applications.

Abstract

Abstract Additive manufacturing (AM) is evolving continuously which enables 3D printing a given idea into a functional prototype, the complex structures can be 3D printed with versatility of changing the density depending on the in-fills programmed during printing thus it can be light in weight with less material wastage which cannot be achieved by other methods. Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is widely used in implantable devices such as spinal, dental and orthopedic implants due to its superior biocompatibility and nearly matching properties with bone. Polyamide (PA) is another biomaterial widely used as sutures, catheters, and dentures due to its biocompatibility. In the present study, the specimen of PEEK and polyamide were 3D printed and the mechanical properties evaluated and compared for healthcare applications. Methodology: In this work, a comparison of mechanical strength such as compressive strength (CS), tensile strength (TS), flexure strength (FS), and impact strength (IS) of 3D printed PEEK samples by fused deposition modelling (FDM) and PA specimens by selective laser sintering (SLS), respectively. Samples for mechanical strength were prepared according to ASTM and ISO specifications. Result: The strength of the Polyether ether ketone was higher than that of Polyamide. Conclusions: The results of this experiment provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanical strength of PEEK and PA, that can be used as a valuable guide for their healthcare applications.