Polyether ether ketone is a semi-crystalline aromatic thermoplastic whose repeat unit joins para-substituted phenyl rings through ether and ketone linkages [1]. The aromatic backbone gives chemical resistance and a high continuous service temperature, while the crystallinity of about thirty per cent fixes stiffness and the amorphous phase governs toughness [1]. The polymer melts near 343 degrees Celsius, keeps a glass transition at about 143 degrees, dissolves only in strong acids, and is sulfonated by concentrated sulfuric acid at the ring [1]. Carbon or glass fibre raises modulus and creep resistance and reduces the mismatch in thermal expansion with metal [2]. Because the elastic modulus approaches that of cortical bone, the unfilled polymer is examined as an implant material, although its bioinert surface bonds weakly to tissue [3].
- aromatic thermoplastic
- semi-crystalline polymer
- sulfonation resistance
- carbon fibre composite
- bioinert implant
References
- Thiruchitrambalam, M.; Bubesh Kumar, D.; Shanmugam, D.; Jawaid, M.; A review on PEEK composites – Manufacturing methods, properties and applications. Materials Today: Proceedings 2020, 33, 1085-1092, 10.1016/j.matpr.2020.07.124.
- Zhang, M.; Liu, S.; Xing, J.; Song, A.; Ng, L.; Tao, N.; Su, X.; Sun, C.; Liu, C.; Graphene oxide-modified PEEK composites: Properties and applications in orthopaedic repair — A review. Journal of Orthopaedic Translation 2026, 56, 101028, 10.1016/j.jot.2025.11.004.
- Kersten, R.F.M.R.; van Gaalen, S.M.; de Gast, A.; Öner, F.C.; Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages in cervical applications: a systematic review. The Spine Journal 2015, 15, 1446-1460, 10.1016/j.spinee.2013.08.030.