Characterization of polyetheretherketone–hydroxyapatite nanocomposite materials

Polyetheretherketone–hydroxyapatite nanocomposite materials are investigated for the purpose of improving the bonding between polyetheretherketone (PEEK) matrix and hydroxyapatite (HA) fillers since their debonding deteriorates the otherwise superior antifatigue properties of PEEK materials. The nanocomposites are successfully produced by incorporating lab-prepared HA nanoparticles, up to 15.0 vol%, to PEEK matrix via a compounding and injection molding process. The microstructures of the composite samples are observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The crystallization and phase structure of the composites are examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. The mechanical properties of the composites are evaluated, and their tensile strength reaches 98 MPa at 5.0 vol% HA. Most importantly the study suggests that there is no debonding occurring between the well-dispersed HA nanoparticles and PEEK matrix, which provides a promising way to overcome the debonding issue of the PEEK–HA composites.

Research highlights
► PEEK–HA composite materials have been successfully produced.
► The tensile strength of the composites is 5% higher than that of pure PEEK.
► HA nanoparticles show strong bonding to PEEK matrix.