Compression moulding and injection over moulding of porous PEEK components. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Siddiq, A.; Kennedy, A.R.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the mechanical behavior of biomedical materials. Volume 111(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: PEEK -- Porous structure -- Injection moulding -- Compression testing; Biomedical materials -- Periodicals; Biomedical materials -- Mechanical properties -- Periodicals; Biomedical materials; Biomedical materials -- Mechanical properties; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 610.28
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2020.103996
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-6161

Abstract

Abstract: A simple and adaptable process for the production of porous PEEK has been demonstrated herein, which uses compression moulding to infiltrate molten PEEK into of a packed bed of salt beads. The process has the capacity to vary the pore size and porosity within the range suitable for materials to replace bone, but compressive testing showed the stiffness to be well below the target to match trabecular bone. This issue was addressed by creating a hybrid structure, integrating "pillars" of solid PEEK into the porous structure, by the injection over-moulding of compression moulded PEEK-salt inserts that contained drilled holes. Good bonding between the moulding and the insert was demonstrated and it was found that as little as 35 mm 2 of support, in the form of PEEK "pillars" was required to achieve the target performance.