What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to evaluate the effects of combining nano-hydroxyapatite and chitosan nanofibers in polyetheretherketone for improved prosthetic materials.

June 4, 2026Tikrit Journal for Dental Sciences0 citationsOpen Access

Incorporation of Nano-Hydroxyapatite and Chitosan Nanofibers into Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) for Enhanced Bioactive Fixed Prostheses: An In Vitro Study

HNHuda Naser ZAZainab Al-naser

Key Points

This study aims to evaluate the effects of combining nano-hydroxyapatite and chitosan nanofibers in polyetheretherketone for improved prosthetic materials.
In vitro experimental study conducted at University of Misan College of Dentistry, Iraq.
PEEK modified with 5 wt.% nano-hydroxyapatite and 1 wt.% chitosan nanofibers via melt blending and compression molding.
Assessments of flexural strength and surface roughness compared to unmodified PEEK.
Incorporated PEEK exhibited a flexural strength of 153.4 ± 5.6 MPa vs. 127.8 ± 4.9 MPa in unmodified PEEK (p = 0.002).
Surface roughness increased from 0.23 ± 0.04 µm to 0.31 ± 0.06 µm, within acceptable limits (p = 0.21).

Abstract

Background: There is a growing need for prosthetic materials that combine mechanical strength with biological integration.Aim: This in vitro study investigates the synergistic effect of incorporating nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) and chitosan nanofibers (ChNF) into poly ether ether ketone (PEEK) to enhance its performance for fixed dental prostheses.Materials and Methods: In the department of Orthodontics at University of Misan College of Dentistry in Iraq, this in vitro experimental study was conducted. PEEK was reinforced with 5 wt.% n-HA and 1 wt.% ChNF using melt blending and compression molding. Flexural strength and surface roughness were evaluated and compared with unmodified PEEK.Results: The reinforced PEEK specimens showed a statistically significant increase in flexural strength (153.4 ± 5.6 MPa vs. 127.8 ± 4.9 MPa, p = 0.002). Surface roughness increased slightly (0.31 ± 0.06 µm vs. 0.23 ± 0.04 µm) but remained within clinically acceptable limits (p = 0.21).Conclusion: Incorporating n-HA and ChNF into PEEK is a promising strategy to improve the mechanical and bio functional properties of prosthetic materials.

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