Recent Advances on High-Performance Polyaryletherketone Materials for Additive Manufacturing

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Materials Science
• Manufacturing Engineering

Background:

• Polyaryletherketone (PAEK) is a high-performance polymer with excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and thermal stability.
• Additive Manufacturing (AM) enables the creation of complex, customized PAEK structures, expanding its application potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review recent advancements in the additive manufacturing of high-performance PAEKs.
• To discuss material properties, AM processes, mechanical characteristics, and applications of AM-processed PAEKs.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on PAEK materials and additive manufacturing techniques.
• Analysis of material properties, processing-structure relationships, and mechanical performance of AM-PAEKs.

Main Results:

• AM facilitates the development of PAEK products with complex structures and enhanced functionalities.
• Detailed discussion on material properties, AM processes, thermal conductivity, crystallization, and microstructure of AM-PAEKs.
• In-depth analysis of mechanical properties, anisotropy, and diverse applications in biomedical, aerospace, and electronics.

Conclusions:

• Additive manufacturing holds significant promise for high-performance PAEK applications across various industries.
• Addressing current challenges in AM of PAEKs is crucial for future development and broader adoption.