PEEK and composite with the addiction of Silicon Nitride Powders: properties and osteoconductive behavior

The aim of the work is to study different composite of PEEK (Poly-ether-ether-ketone) with the addiction of different amount of Silicon Powders and understand if the additives could enhance the osteoconductive properties of the bulk material. The samples are first studied in its own characteristics by Laser Microscope and FTIR to see the difference intercurred by the addiction of additives. After that it has been made the treatment of the SAOS cellular line to study the interactions between the material and the biological environment and to verify the osteointegration process and the formation of mineralized extracellular matrix. The UV-lamp irradiation and the steam in Autoclave has been used to accelerate the aging process to investigate the photo and hydrothermal degradation of the materials and ensure the long-term availability.