Biocompatible Coating of Polyetheretherketone Biomaterials and Its Characterization

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a semi-crystalline synthetic thermoplastic polymer that has excellent mechanical properties, elastic modulus similar to bone, chemical stability and good biocompatibility. However, PEEK has a bio-inert surface and because of that it does not interact enough with host environment. One of the best methods to solve this problem and improve the surface properties of PEEK is surface coating with bioactive materials. The aim of this study is coating PEEK substrates with Titanium (Ti) and Hydroxyapatite (HA) using Atmospheric Plasma Spraying (APS) and characterization coated PEEK biomaterials. Structural characterization performed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-ray Diffractometer (XRD). Roughness measurements and micro hardness tests were performed in order to mechanical characterization. The results showed that biocompatibility of PEEK biomaterials can be improved with the Ti/HA multilayer coatings.