In an attempt to prolong the lives of rubbing implantable devices, several 'new' materials have been examined to determine their suitability as joint couplings. Tests were performed on a multidirectional pin-on-plate machine to determine the wear of both pitch and PAN (polyacrylonitrile)-based carbon fibre reinforced-polyetheretherketone (CFR-PEEK-OPTIMA) pins articulating against both BioLox D...

METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed at a tertiary academic medical center for all patients who underwent microvascular surgery of the scalp from July 2011 through December 2016. Reconstructions were evaluated by type of flap utilized (myofascial, myocutaneous, fasciocutaneous, or osteocutaneous) as well as type of cranial reconstruction performed (titanium implant, polyetherethe...

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) was reinforced with 0-40 vol% hydroxyapatite (HA) whiskers using a novel powder processing and compression molding technique. A powder mixture was uniaxially pressed into a composite powder compact and compression molded into a flat composite bar using an open-channel die, such that the HA whiskers exhibited a preferred orientation along the length of the bar and ten...

The small punch test is widely used to characterize the ductility and fracture resistance in metals and ceramics, when only a small volume of material is available. This study was conducted to investigate the suitability of the small punch test for characterizing polyetheretherketone (PEEK) polymeric biomaterials for changes in material grade, crystallinity, and molding process. The small punch...

Statement of problem If a composite resin-veneered polyetheretherketone (PEEK) restoration chips or fractures, repair may be indicated. However, the most appropriate protocol for PEEK is unclear. Purpose The purpose this in vitro study was to determine efficacy airborne-particle abrasion and/or primer prostheses. Material and methods specimens (N=80) were abraded with alumina before being condi...