Surface roughness, bioactivity, and antibacterial properties are desirable in skeletal implants. We hot-pressed a mix of particulate sodium chloride (NaCl) salt and silicon nitride (beta-Si3N4) onto the surface of bulk PEEK. NaCl grains were removed by leaching in water, resulting in a porous PEEK surface embedded with similar to 15 vol% beta-Si3N4 particles. This functionalized surface showed the osteogenic and antibacterial properties previously reported in bulk silicon nitride implants. Surface enhancement of PEEK with beta-Si3N4 could improve the performance of spinal fusion cages, by facilitating arthrodesis and resisting bacteria.
Surface functionalization of PEEK with silicon nitride
Marin, Elia;Zanocco, Matteo;
2020-01-01
Abstract
Surface roughness, bioactivity, and antibacterial properties are desirable in skeletal implants. We hot-pressed a mix of particulate sodium chloride (NaCl) salt and silicon nitride (beta-Si3N4) onto the surface of bulk PEEK. NaCl grains were removed by leaching in water, resulting in a porous PEEK surface embedded with similar to 15 vol% beta-Si3N4 particles. This functionalized surface showed the osteogenic and antibacterial properties previously reported in bulk silicon nitride implants. Surface enhancement of PEEK with beta-Si3N4 could improve the performance of spinal fusion cages, by facilitating arthrodesis and resisting bacteria.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
