Local deformation behavior of surface porous polyether-ether-ketone

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Orthopedic Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Surface porous polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) is suitable for load-bearing orthopedic applications.
• It offers a surface that promotes bone ingrowth.
• The deformation behavior of its porous architecture under load is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the compressive and wear behavior of surface porous PEEK architecture.
• To characterize the deformation of pore structures with varying depths and sizes.

Main Methods:

• Micro Computed Tomography (micro CT) was used to analyze pore architecture.
• Pore architectures were manufactured using melt extrusion and porogen leaching.
• Compression testing and wear testing were performed.

Main Results:

• Porous PEEK exhibited three deformation stages: linear elastic, plastic, and densification.
• Increased porosity reduced elastic moduli and yield strength, but pore size had no effect.
• High porosity for bone ingrowth was maintained across strains.
• Wear rates were comparable to non-porous PEEK, with minor pore densification.

Conclusions:

• Surface porous PEEK's pore architecture deforms predictably under compression.
• The material retains bone-ingrowth potential and exhibits robust wear performance.
• This material is a promising candidate for orthopedic implants requiring osseointegration.