Ether Ketone Research Articles

Achieving synergistic viscosity and mechanical performance in Poly(aryl ether ketone) copolymers through bisphenol A-phenolphthalein side group ratio modulation

Poly (aryl ether ketone) (PAEK) plays a critical role in the production and application of special engineering plastics. However, the traditional PAEK has some limitations in processing, such as high melt viscosity and high energy consumption. This study successfully synthesized a series of PAEK copolymers with bisphenol A and phenolphthalein side groups through nucleophilic polycondensation, aiming to reduce the high energy consumption associated with material processing. By adjusting the ratio of bisphenol A to phenolphthalein side groups, this research explores their influence on the properties of the copolymers. Comprehensive characterization using various testing methods revealed that increasing the bisphenol A content led to a decrease in heat deflection temperature and glass transition temperature. Although mechanical performance showed a slight decline, it remained comparable to other advanced engineering materials. Notably, tuning the ratio of bisphenol A to phenolphthalein significantly improved the melt rheological properties of the copolymers, reducing melt viscosity, enhancing polymer chain flexibility, decreasing crosslinking tendencies, broadening the processing window, and lowering energy consumption. This study provides a novel strategy for tailoring the performance of PAEK copolymers, offering substantial potential for further research and application. These copolymers are good candidates for next-generation high-performance engineering plastics.

Sulfonated Poly (Ether Ether Ketone)‐Filled Nanofiber‐Based Composite Proton Exchange Membranes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

ABSTRACTProton exchange membranes (PEMs) with high proton conductivity, good methanol barrier ability, and reliable mechanical stability are crucial for their practical application in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Preparation of nanofiber‐based composite PEMs is a facile and effective way to balance the trade‐off between proton conductivity and mechanical stability of sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK). Herein, surface amino functionalized silica coated polyvinylidene fluoride (N‐SiO2@PVDF) electrospun nanofibers were prepared and used as a mechanical support for SPEEK. The obtained SPEEK‐filled N‐SiO2@PVDF composite membrane showed a high mechanical strength (27.3 MPa) and good toughness with the aid of the reinforcement effect of nanofibers together with the ionic crosslinking between surface grafted NH2 and the filling polymer SPEEK. Moreover, the composite membrane demonstrated considerable conductivities especially at 80°C (46.1 mS cm−1), which was very close to that of SPEEK (53.5 mS cm−1). Thanks to its low methanol crossover and high proton conductivity, the single DMFC assembled with SPEEK‐N‐SiO2@PVDF output higher open circuit voltage of 0.78 V and power density of 70.5 mW cm−2, which were far beyond those of SPEEK (0.66 V and 42.5 mW cm−2).

Melting behaviour and crystallisation kinetics of carbon-fibre-reinforced low-melting poly(aryl ether ketone)

Melting behaviour and crystallisation kinetics of carbon-fibre-reinforced low-melting poly(aryl ether ketone)

Cranioplasty infection in porous hydroxyapatite: Potential antibacterial properties.

Intensive research is dedicated to the development of novel biomaterials and medical devices to be used as grafts in reconstructive surgery, with the purpose of enhancing their therapeutic effectiveness, safety, and durability. A variety of biomaterials, from autologous bone to polymethylmetacrylate, polyether ether ketone, titanium, and calcium-based ceramics are used in cranioplasty. Porous hydroxyapatite (PHA) is reported as a possible material for bone reconstruction, with good signs of biocompatibility, osteoconductive and osteointegrative properties. In the present paper we studied the possible antibacterial properties of PHA in a laboratory test in order to provide a possible overview of the occurrence of post-operative infections in PHA cranioplasty. The test method has been designed to evaluate the potential antimicrobial activity of specimens under dynamic contact conditions to overcome difficulties in ensuring contact of inoculum to the specimen surface. The test was conducted using Staphylococcus aureus ATCC6538 as a bacterial strain. Two experimental sets were performed to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of the specimens against two different Staphylococcus aureus concentrations. The first preliminary test (a) verified the antibacterial property at 0, 1, 2, and 4 h of contact time; the second confirmatory test (b) was repeated to verify the antibacterial property at 0, 4, 8 h. In the first experiment, after the first hour of contact, the bacterial inoculum was reduced by 7.96% compared to "inoculum only," which increased to 26.11% at the second hour, and up to 52.33% after 4 h. In the second experiment, the confirmation test showed that bacterial growth reaches maximum inhibition after 4 h of contact. At 4 h, there was a higher bacterial reduction of 72.93%, which decreased at 8 h (36.45%). Analyzing the growth trend of viable microorganisms under Dynamic Contact Conditions it can be seen that PHA cranioplasty appears to inhibit exponential growth by inducing bacterial stasis in the early hours of contact, reaching a maximum reduction within 4 h, in this adopted experimental condition.

Ultra-high selective SPEEK-based proton exchange membrane for vanadium flow battery enabled by homologous structuralized amphoteric poly(ether ether ketone) polymer

Ultra-high selective SPEEK-based proton exchange membrane for vanadium flow battery enabled by homologous structuralized amphoteric poly(ether ether ketone) polymer

Enhanced interlayer adhesion and regulated tribological behaviors of 3D printed poly(ether ether ketone) by annealing

Most of the current poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) parts manufactured via fused deposition modeling (FDM) printing are suffering for weak interlayer adhesion and low mechanical strength. Herein, a simplified tactic is adopted, which combined FDM printing with annealing post-treatment, to realize a better mechanical strength, interlayer adhesion and wear resistance of 3D printed PEEK. The freeze-fracture surface of PEEK annealed at 190 ℃ was dense. At the normal load of 30N, the wear rate of annealed PEEK reached the minimum value of 2.83×10-5 mm3/(N·m), with a 34% reduction. At a higher load of 70N, the annealed PEEK at 170 ℃ still maintained a low wear rate. Moreover, the annealed PEEK exhibited excellent manufacturing precision and fidelity. The PEEK annealed at 170 ℃ was used to simulate wear within knee-joint cavity and planetary gears were printed for demonstration, which run stably at different working conditions. These findings highlight the significant potential of 3D printed PEEK combined with annealing post-treatment in the applications of heavy-load gear and bionic joint.

Combustion reaction mechanisms of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKPO) via the integration of ReaxFF-MD and DFT

Combustion reaction mechanisms of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKPO) via the integration of ReaxFF-MD and DFT

Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernioplasty with a Polyether Ether Ketone Anchoring Device in Intact Male Horses Does Not Compromise Testicular Perfusion, Sperm Production or Motility Characteristics

A new surgical technique using a polyether ether ketone (PEEK) anchoring device for testicle-sparing laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty in stallions was described in 2023 and is known as the PEEK harpoon technique (PHT). In breeding stallions, it is essential that the surgery is effective in preventing inguinal hernia but also that it does not impair the testicular function. This study aims to evaluate whether the PHT may affect testicular function. To achieve that, changes in the testicular blood flow, sperm production and motility characteristics were assessed 28 days after use of the PHT. Standing laparoscopic hernioplasty using the PHT was performed unilaterally in eight healthy (non-previously herniated) experimental intact males. The contralateral inguinal canals and testicles were used as control. Pre- and post-surgery Doppler ultrasonographic evaluations of testicular perfusion were performed serially. Bilateral castration was performed at 28 days post-surgery, and epididymal sperm were obtained from both testicles to analyze seminal characteristics. No significant differences were identified in regard to testicular perfusion and the sperm characteristics of the control and operated testicles, suggesting that the PHT-based hernioplasty would not compromise testicular function. Further studies evaluating effects over a longer period are needed, but our data indicate that the PHT is suitable for testicle-sparing inguinal laparoscopic hernioplasties in breeding stallions with a history or predisposing factors of inguinal herniation.

Polydopamine grafting polyether ether ketone to stabilize growth factor for efficient osteonecrosis repair

This study examines the biocompatibility, osteogenic potential, and effectiveness of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) composites for treating osteonecrosis, seeking to establish a theoretical basis for clinical application. A range of PEEK composite materials, including sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK), polydopamine-sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK-PDA), bone-forming peptide-poly-dopamine-sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK-PDA-BFP), and vascular endothelial growth factor-poly-dopamine-sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK-PDA-VEGF), were constructed by concentrated sulfuric acid sulfonation, polydopamine modification and grafting of bioactive factors. The experiments involved adult male New Zealand rabbits aged 24–28 weeks and weighing 2.6–4 kg. The SPEEK-PDA-BFP possesses the smallest water contact angle, indicating the highest hydrophilicity, with its surface characterized by a rich density of clustered BFP particles. The SPEEK-PDA-BFP exhibits superior adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation capabilities, along with pronounced bacteriostatic effects, which are attributed to its dense particle clusters. The SPEEK-PDA-BFP facilitates the formation of regular and dense bone trabeculae. Comparative study on treating osteonecrosis with SPEEK-PDA-VEGF and SPEEK-PDA-BFP highlighted the superior formation of mature bone trabeculae and angiogenic protein CD31 around SPEEK-PDA-VEGF. The PEEK composite materials have good biocompatibility, osteogenic activity and bone repair activity. In particular, SPEEK-PDA-VEGF composite materials have the best effect on bone repair.

Investigation of Machining Characteristics and Parameter Optimization for Laser-Assisted Milling of CF/PEEK Composites

Carbon fiber/polyether ether ketone (CF/PEEK) is widely used in aerospace, transportation, and other high-end industries for its light weight, high strength, and recyclability. However, its inherently brittle–ductile two-phase structure presents challenges in processing CF/PEEK. This paper introduces a laser-assisted milling method, wherein four types of CF/PEEK unidirectional plates (0°, 45°, 90°, and 135°) are milled under varying laser powers and spindle speeds. The results are compared with conventional milling (CM) techniques, based on cutting forces, temperatures, surface roughness, and damage defects. The cutting force, temperature, and surface quality were optimal at a fiber direction of 0° and were least favorable at 90° under identical machining conditions. When the fiber direction was 90°, the milling temperatures at 400 W and 500 W laser power decreased by 19.8% and 7.9%, respectively, while the average values of Fx and Fy decreased by 20.5% and 9.55%, compared to conventional milling. Furthermore, the laser-assisted milling method significantly reduces surface defects and improves surface roughness. In CF/PEEK composites, brittle fracture is the primary material removal mechanism, with damage characteristics such as fiber fracture, fiber pullout, and fiber/matrix debonding. The optimal parameter combination is a 0° fiber orientation, 400 W laser power, and a spindle speed of 4000 rpm. This study provides theoretical and technical support for the high-quality processing of CF/PEEK composites.

Fluorine-Free Ion-Selective Membrane with Enhanced Mg2+ Transport for Mg-Organic Batteries.

Magnesium batteries offer a safer alternative for next-generation battery technology due to their insusceptibility to dendrite deposition. Selective membranes tailored for magnesium-ion conduction will unlock further technological advancement. Herein, we demonstrate fluorine-free magnesiated sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (Mg-SPEEK) selective membranes capable of facilitating magnesium-ion conduction while effectively rejecting soluble organic species. These membranes demonstrate a reversible Mg plating and stripping Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 85.4% and an ionic conductivity of 3.3 × 10-4 S cm-1 at room temperature, surpassing those for a Mg-Nafion selective membrane. Theoretical density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that SPEEK possesses more localized charge centers along its backbone compared with Nafion, potentially facilitating enhanced ion conduction. Full cells assembled with Mg-SPEEK coupled with the organic cathode pyrene-4,5,9,10-tetraone (PTO) and Mg metal demonstrated significantly improved capacity retention as compared to those assembled with conventional nonselective separators.

A sulfonated and nitrated polyether ether ketone/polyvinyl chloride modified atmosphere packaging delays the deterioration of grapes.

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) was modified by a sulfuric and nitric acid mixed system to improve the solubility of the material and the gas selective permeability of the film. SN1 and SN5, synthesized from mixed acid systems (with ratios of nitric acid and sulfuric acid of 1:1 and 1:5, respectively) were chosen because they had comparable nitro groups but differing sulfonyl groups. To investigate the impact of the type and content of sulfonated and nitrated polyether ether ketone (SNPEEK) on the structure and physicochemical properties of the films, SN1/polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and SN5/polyvinyl chloride films were made by adding varying amounts of SN1 and SN5 (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% and 2.5 wt%), respectively. SNPEEK (with ratios of nitric acid and sulfuric acid of 1:1-9) with high nitric acid group concentration outperformed nitrated polyether ether ketone (NPEEK) (with ratios of nitric acid and sulfuric acid of 3-9:1) with a low nitric acid concentration in terms of solubility at room temperature and expanded the application range. The inclusion of SNPEEK resulted in more micropores on the membrane microstructure, and higher contents of -SO3H and -NO2 groups enhanced the polarity, which improved permeability and selectivity for CO2 and O2 and the moisture permeability of the membranes. During grape storage (4 ± 1 °C), 1.0% SN1/PVC and 1.0% SN5/PVC membranes reached equilibrium gas concentration on day 4 (4.6-5.4% CO2, 17.6-18.1% O2; 3.5-4.1% CO2 and 18.6-19.1% O2), grapes showed lower electrolyte leakage as well as higher hardness, total soluble solid content and vitamin C content. Because there are few studies on modified PEEK air conditioning packaging for grape preservation, SNPEEK/PVC membrane has practical value. In the present study, 1.0% SN1/PVC and 1.0% SN5/PVC membranes extended the shelf life by more than 16 and 8 days, respectively, compared to the blank group (unsealed packaging). © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Enhancing the Performance of Lignocellulosic Textile Fabrics by Chemical Treatment and Filler Modification

ABSTRACT To improve the durability of lignocellulosic jute textiles, the raw woven fabric (plain weave) was treated with alkali and aloe vera solution. A coating of unsaturated polyester resin was employed to protect the jute textiles from outdoor environmental degradation. The initiator for the resin was methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP). To further improve the performance of the polyester-coated jute textiles, 10% Ca(OH)2 fillers were mixed with the resin. Hence, the developed jute textile samples were – J0 (raw jute textile), J1 (alkali and aloe vera treated and polyester resin-coated jute textile), and J2 [Ca(OH)2 filler-modified textiles of J1]. The physico-mechanical characteristics of all the jute textile samples were examined and evaluated via tensile, moisture, and water uptake performances. It was revealed that tensile breaking strength increased by 56% and 129% for J1 and J2 textiles, respectively, compared to the J0. The filler content samples (J2) also demonstrated an enhanced moisture resistance performance compared to J0. Further characterization was performed using FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) spectroscopy, TGA (Thermogravimetric Analysis), and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) analysis. The aging test demonstrated improved properties for the modified jute textile samples in acidic and salt solutions, but weight loss occurred in alkaline solutions.

Towards a high-quality in situ observation network for oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs) in Europe: transferring metrological traceability to the field

Abstract. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have a large impact on the oxidising capacity of the troposphere and are major precursors of tropospheric ozone and secondary atmospheric aerosols. Accurate measurements and data comparability of VOCs among monitoring networks are essential to assessing the trends of these secondary air pollutants. Metrological traceability of the measurements to the International System of Units (SI traceability) contributes to both measurement consistency and data comparability. Accurate, stable and SI-traceable reference gas mixtures (RGMs) and working standards are needed to achieve SI traceability through an unbroken chain of calibrations of the analytical instruments used to monitor VOCs. However, for many oxygenated VOCs (OVOCs), such RGMs and working standards are not available at an atmospheric amount of substance fraction levels (< 10 nmol mol−1). Here, we present the protocols developed to transfer SI traceability to the field by producing two types of SI-traceable working standards for selected OVOCs. These working standards, based on RGMs diluted dynamically with dry nitrogen and on certified spiked whole-air samples, were then assessed using a thermal desorber–gas chromatograph–flame ionisation detector (TD–GC–FID) and proton transfer reaction–time of flight–mass spectrometer (PTR–ToF–MS) as analytical methods. For that purpose, we calibrated five analytical instruments using in-house calibration standards and treated the new SI-traceable working standards as samples. Due to analytical limitations, the assessment was only possible for acetaldehyde, acetone, methanol and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK). Relative differences between assigned and measured values were used to assess the working standards based on the dilution of RGMs. The relative differences were within the measurement uncertainty for acetone, MEK, methanol and acetaldehyde at an amount of substance fractions around 10 nmol mol−1. For the working standards based on certified spiked whole-air samples in pressurised cylinders, results showed a good agreement among the laboratories (i.e. differences within the measurement expanded uncertainty (U) ranging between 0.5 and 3.3 nmol mol−1) and with the certified amount of substance fraction for acetaldehyde (15.7 nmol mol−1 ± 3.6 (U) nmol mol−1), acetone (17 nmol mol−1 ± 1.5 (U) nmol mol−1) and MEK (12.3 nmol mol−1 ± 2.3 (U) nmol mol−1). Despite the promising results for the working standards based on the dilution of RGMs and on certified spiked whole-air samples filled into pressurised cylinders, the assessment must be considered with care due to the large measurement uncertainty, particularly for methanol. Active collaboration among the metrological, meteorological and atmospheric chemistry monitoring communities is needed to tackle the challenges of OVOC monitoring, such as the lack of stable and SI-traceable calibration standards (i.e. RGMs and working standards). Besides this collaboration, other research applications, such as modelling and remote sensing, may benefit from the transfer of SI traceability to monitoring stations.

Optimization of 3D Printing Nozzle Parameters and the Optimal Combination of 3D Printer Process Parameters for Engineering Plastics with High Melting Points and Large Thermal Expansion Coefficients

Three-dimensional printing is a transformative technology in the manufacturing industry which provides customization and cost-effectiveness for all walks of life due to its fast molding speed, high material utilization, and direct molding of arbitrary complex structural parts. This study aims to improve the molding accuracy of 3D printed polyether ether ketone (PEEK) samples by systematically studying key process parameters, including printing speed, layer thickness, nozzle temperature, and filling rate. The 3D printing nozzle has an important impact on the extrusion rate of the melt, and the fluid simulation of the nozzle was carried out to explore the variation characteristics of the melt flow rate in the nozzle and optimize the nozzle structure parameters. In order to effectively optimize the process, considering its inherent efficiency, robustness, and cost-effectiveness, the L9 orthogonal array experimental design scheme was used to analyze the effects of printing speed, layer thickness, nozzle temperature, and filling rate on the molding accuracy of the test sample, and the optimal combination of process parameters was optimized through the comprehensive weighted scoring method so as to improve the molding accuracy of the 3D printed PEEK sample; finally, the molding accuracy of the components printed using the Sermoon-M1 3D printer with the optimized nozzle structure was printed. The results show that the nozzle structure is optimal when the convergence angle is 120° and the aspect ratio is 2, and the outlet cross-section velocity is increased by 2.5% and 2.7%, respectively. The order of influence strength on the dimensional accuracy of the test sample is layer thickness > filling rate > nozzle temperature > printing speed. The optimal combination of parameters is: a printing speed of 15 mm/s, a layer thickness of 0.1 mm, a nozzle temperature of 420 °C, and a filling rate of 50%. The insights derived from this study pave the way for predicting and implementing the selection of optimal process parameters in the production of 3D printed products, with important implications for the optimal molding accuracy of printed components.

Development of a Tool for Verifying Leakage Detection in Microfluidic Systems

While submissions of microfluidic-based medical devices to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have increased in recent years, leakage remains a common but difficult failure mode to detect in microfluidic systems. Here, we have developed a sensitive tool to measure and verify leakages ranging from 0.1% to 10% in leakage detection systems, which can then be used to detect leak in microfluidic devices. Our methodology includes an analytical model that applies hydrodynamic resistance using different fluid-contacting elements (e.g., tubing, junctions, and connectors) to tune the leakage rate based on the application-specific acceptance criteria. We then used three polymer-based microfluidic systems to target leakage rates of approximately 0.1, 1.0, and 10%. The experimental uncertainties in Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) tubing were 23.08%, 13.64%, and 1.16%, respectively, while the PEEK-Coated Fused Silica (PEEKsil) tubing system had errors of 0.00%, 0.72%, and 1.59%, respectively, relative to the theoretical values for the same target leak rates. The commonly used commercial grade Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC) microfluidic chips produced errors of 7.69% and 5.05%, respectively, for target leakage rates of 0.24% and 1.88%. We anticipate that the proposed bench test method can be useful for device developers as a verification tool for leakage detection systems before assessing flow-mediated leakage failure modes in microfluidic medical devices.

Application of Machine Learning-Based Approach to Predict and Optimize Mechanical Properties of Additively Manufactured Polyether Ether Ketone Biopolymer Using Fused Deposition Modeling

Application of Machine Learning-Based Approach to Predict and Optimize Mechanical Properties of Additively Manufactured Polyether Ether Ketone Biopolymer Using Fused Deposition Modeling

Mechanical Behavior of PEEK and PMMA Graphene and Ti6Al4V Implant-Supported Frameworks: In Silico Study.

A comparative analysis has been carried out between three different dental materials suitable for the prostheses manufacturing. The analysis performed is based on the finite elements method (FEM) and was made to evaluate their performance under three different loading conditions. Three different materials were modeled with 3D CAD geometry, all of them suitable to be simulated by means of a linear elastic model. The materials employed were graphene polymethyl methacrylate (G-PMMA) with 0.25% of graphene, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), and Ti6Al4V. Three loading conditions have been defined: distal, medial, and central. In all cases under study, the load was applied progressively, 5 N by 5 N until a previously fixed threshold of 25 N was reached, which always ensures that work is carried out in the elastic zone. The behavior of G-PMMA and PEEK in the tests performed is similar. Regarding maximum deformations in the model, it has been found that deformations are higher in the G-PMMA models when compared to those made of PEEK. The highest values of maximum stress according to the von Mises criteria are achieved in models made of Ti6Al4V, followed by G-PMMA and PEEK. G-PMMA is more prone to plastic deformations compared to Ti6Al4V. However, due to its relatively higher stiffness compared to other common polymers, G-PMMA is able to withstand moderate stress levels before significant deformation occurs, placing it in the intermediate position between Ti6Al4V and PEEK in terms of stress capacity. It should be noted that there is also a difference in the results obtained depending on the applied load, whether distal, medial, or central, proving that, in all simulations, it is the distal test that offers the worst results in terms of presenting a higher value for both displacement and tension. The results obtained allow us to identify the advantages and limitations of each material in terms of structural strength, mechanical behavior, and adaptability to loading conditions that simulate realistic scenarios.

Biomechanical behavior of titanium, cobalt-chromium, zirconia, and PEEK frameworks in implant-supported prostheses: a dynamic finite element analysis

BackgroundThe mechanical properties of framework materials significantly influence stress distribution and the long-term success of implant-supported prostheses. Although titanium, cobalt-chromium, zirconia, and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) are widely used, their biomechanical performance under dynamic loading conditions remains insufficiently investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical behavior of four framework materials with different Young's modulus using dynamic finite element stress analysis.MethodsA 3D edentulous maxillary model was extracted from a computer tomography (CT) database. Bone level implants with conical connection designs were placed in the anterior (canine) and posterior (first molar) areas. Anterior implants were parallel, yet posterior implants were inclined distally by 30 degrees. According to the framework material, four groups were formed: cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr), zirconia (Zr), titanium (Ti), and polyether ether ketone (PEEK). For each framework material, twelve separate models of analysis were created by applying force in three different orientations. Dynamic forces were employed to replicate the chewing process. Principal and von Mises stresses were measured and evaluated.ResultsThe PEEK framework exhibited the highest maximum von Mises stress values (372.55 MPa) on the abutment and the highest maximum principle stress values (59.27 MPa) in the cortical bone. The Co-Cr framework had the lowest minimum principle stress (3.98 MPa) in the trabecular bone. The displacements of the Co-Cr, Zr, Ti, and PEEK frameworks were 0.15 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.17 mm, and 0.35 mm, respectively.ConclusionFrameworks having a greater Young's modulus are less susceptible to deformation.

Retention of CAD-CAM locator retentive attachment insert in mandibular implant overdenture

BackgroundThe continuous development in digital prosthodontics allowed the customization of attachments and retentive inserts which offers an easy and cheap solution for regular maintenance of locator overdentures during daily practice. The present study compared the change in retention values of the fully digitally manufactured custom-made locator attachment retentive insert with the ready-made ones after insertion, removal, and masticatory cycles.MethodsA complete denture was constructed over a mandibular edentulous epoxy model. Two implants were inserted into the model between the laterals and canines following the prosthetically driven implant protocol. Locator retentive attachment inserts were digitally designed using free-form modeling software and milled from PEEK (Poly Ether Ether Ketone). After the pick-up of the ready- and custom-made retentive inserts, an insertion, removal, and masticatory cycles test simulating 1 year of patient usage was performed. The change in retention values was recorded at baseline, 6 months, and after one year of simulated clinical use. An independent sample t-test was used to compare the data between the two studied groups.ResultsThere were statistically significant differences in retention values between the custom-made and ready-made locator inserts at baseline and after 6 months. (p = 0.001*). On the other hand, there was no significant difference in retention after 1 year of simulated use. (p = 0.083, NS)ConclusionsThe custom-made milled locator retentive attachment insert can be used as an alternative to the ready-made one due to their comparable retention values after 1 year of simulated use.