[Publications & Reports]
Micromechancial Model of HA-PEEK Composites
The objective of this study was to establish key structure-property relationships and predictive capabilities for the design of hydroxyapatite (HA) whisker reinforced PEEK composites and, more generally, discontinuous short fiber-reinforced composite materials. This research demonstrates the ability to accurately predict differences in orthotropic elastic constants due to changes in the reinforcement orientation distribution, which will aid in the design of HA whisker reinforced PEEK composites and, more generally, discontinuous short fiber-reinforced composites.
Biomechanical Assessment of a PEEK Rod System for Semi-Rigid Fixation of Lumbar Fusion Constructs
The purpose of this study was to characterize the mechanical and biomechanical properties of a pedicle screw-based polyetheretherketone (PEEK) SRF system for the lumbar spine to compare its kinematic, structural, and durability performance profile against that of traditional lumbar fusion systems. Performance of the SRF system was characterized using a validated spectrum of experimental, computational, and in vitro testing. Finite element models were first used to optimize the size and shape of the polymeric rods and bound their performance parameters. Subsequently, benchtop tests determined the static and dynamic performance threshold of PEEK rods in relevant loading modes (flexion-extension (F/E), axial rotation (AR), and lateral bending (LB)).
Heat Generated by Hip Resurfacing Prostheses: an In Vivo Pilot Study
In this pilot clinical study, researchers determined the magnitude of temperature increases in resurfaced hips. Temperature sensors were placed percutaneously in both hip joints of 12 volunteer patients who had 1 or both joints resurfaced with a range of bearing materials, including CFR-PEEK. A resurfaced hip with a ceramic femoral and CFR-PEEK or polyurethane acetabulum generated less heat than a resurfaced hip of the same design using a cobalt-chromium femur and either cobalt-chromium, or polyethylene for the acetabulum.
PEEK Dental Implants: A Review of the Literature
In this review article, researchers from the Charite hospital in Berlin evaluated whether there are existing studies reporting on PEEK (polyetheretherketone) as an alternative material for dental implants. A systematic literature search of PubMed until December 2010 yielded three articles reporting on dental implants made from PEEK. The existing articles reporting on PEEK dental implants indicate, that PEEK could represent a viable alternative material for dental implants. But further experimental studies on the chemical modulation of PEEK seem to be necessary, mainly to increase the BIC ratio and to minimize the stress distribution to the periimplant bone.
PEEK Biomaterials Handbook
A new textbook dedicated to PEEK Biomaterials, edited by Dr. Steve Kurtz, has been published as part of the Plastics Design Library by Elsevier Inc.This Handbook brings together experts in many different facets related to PEEK clinical performance as well as in the areas of materials science, tribology, and biology to provide a complete reference for specialists in the field of plastics, biomaterials, medical device design and surgical applications. This book can be preordered at Amazon.
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