Wettability analysis of polyetheretherketone-based nanocomposites

Abstract

Bioactivity of implant’s surface depends largely upon surface energy of biomaterials. Surface energy is measured by the wettability or fluid contact angle. The surface energy and protein adsorption on surface of bioinert material can be enhanced by making composite with nanomaterials. PEEK is a biocompatible but bioinert thermoplastic polymer having mechanical properties close to human bone. But the lack of bioactivity hinders its regular use in orthopedic and other implants. The reinforcement of PEEK with nano hdroxyapetite and multiwall carbon tube has potential to make the hydrophilic and bioactive nanocomposite. It is observed that PEEK–MWCNT samples’ water contact angle decreased by 24.52% at 3% MWCNT composition by weight. While the water contact angle of PEEK–nHA samples keep on decreasing with increasing composition and reached to 41.13° (± 1.99) at 35% nHA composition by weight, observed the 38.77% decrement. PEEK became more hydrophilic by making the composite with nanoparticles of hydroxyapetite.