Mechanical properties of injection molded hydroxyapatite-polyetheretherketone biocomposites

Bioactive composites comprising synthetic hydroxyapatite (HA) particulate and semi-crystalline polyetheretherketone (PEEK) polymer were produced for biomedical application. HA particulates were incorporated into PEEK polymer matrix through a series of processing stages involving melt compounding, granulating and injection molding. This investigation presents the processing route employed and the mechanical properties of HA–PEEK composites. In general, Young's modulus, compressive strength and micro indentation hardness increased with increasing amount of HA particulate. On the other hand, tensile strength and strain to failure decreased with increasing HA loading. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of HA–PEEK composites were found to be within the bounds of bony tissue. These results suggest that the bioactive HA–PEEK composites have the potential for use as an alternative material for load-bearing orthopedic application.