Sintered Hydroxyapatite/Polyetheretherketone Nanocomposites: Mechanical Behavior and Biocompatibility

Abstract

Abstract Hydroxyapatite nanorods (nHA) are employed to fill polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composites. The PEEK/nHA nanocomposites containing 15.1–38.2 vol% nHA are fabricated by powder processing and sintering. Their mechanical, thermal and in vitro cell properties are investigated. The tensile strength and fracture strain of PEEK‐ nanocomposites filled with 21.6 and 29.2 vol% nHA match closely with those of human cortical bones. Sintered 15.1 and 29.2 vol% nHA/PEEK nanocomposites exhibit excellent biocompatibility. The 29.2 vol.% nHA/PEEK nanocomposite promotes adhesion and proliferation of mouse and human osteoblasts effectively.