PEEK Physical Surface Modification: Evaluation Of Particles Leaching Process

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has been prominent in orthopedic implants; however, it is inert, preventing interaction between the implant and adjacent bone tissues. One way to overcome this characteristic is physical modification its on surface by particle leaching promoting greater osseointegration. The objective of this research was to develop and characterize the PEEK using a surface modification technique via particle leaching. For of the samples, a layer deposition of NaCl was used on PEEK. This was subjected to the pressure of 850 kg/cm2 by 390ºC for 20 minutes. After cooling, were subjected to leaching process particles. The results indicated a porous surface exhibiting uniform and homogeneous morphology with defined pores interconected, to in the range of 140-373 µm, with an average diameter of 273 µm. These evidenced the considerable NaCl removal after the leaching process, with cavities from ideal sizes which promotes adequate cellular accommodation and distinct roughness, giving an overall possibility of being able to obtain a material more able to receive the cells while also possibly presenting cell viability. Although the compressive strength presented low values, it can still be suitable for applications in areas with a reduced modulus of elasticity.