Comparison of Mechanical Properties of PEEK and PMMA: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Aim: Evaluation and comparison of flexural strength and hardness of heat-cured polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) denture base with polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Material and methods: A total of 80 samples of PEEK and PMMA were prepared and divided into two groups: group A and group B, of 40 each. Both the groups were further divided into subgroups consisting of 20 samples of PMMA and PEEK. The group A specimens were tested for flexural strength by universal testing machine (UTM), and group B samples were subjected to hardness test using Vickers microhardness tester. The values obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. The readings were subjected to an unpaired t-test for comparison of flexural strength and hardness of PEEK and PMMA. Result: The flexural strength of PEEK was 183 MPa, while that of PMMA was 84 MPa. The hardness of PEEK and PMMA was 24 VHN and 19.4 VHN, respectively. Conclusion: It was observed that PEEK can be a potential denture base material with superior properties as compared to PMMA. Further researches are needed to be carried out. Clinical significance: PEEK as a denture base exhibits adequate flexural strength prolonging its clinical longevity and overcoming the most common reason for the failure of PMMA denture base that results in fracture.