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Properties investigation on 3D-printed polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) – a proper candidate for bone replacement

Liu, S; Shu, T; Zhao, Y; Zhao, F; Song, F; Hou, X; Zhang, Y; ... Wang, L; + view all (2026) Properties investigation on 3D-printed polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) – a proper candidate for bone replacement. Biomaterials Advances , 178 , Article 214442. 10.1016/j.bioadv.2025.214442.

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Abstract

Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) has emerged as a highly promising material for bone substitutes due to its superior mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and patient-specific design capabilities. This study systematically investigated the mechanical properties of fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D-printed PEKK in various printing orientations and found that PEKK specimens exhibited three times the tensile strength and flexural strength in the Z-axis compared to polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Surface assessments revealed that PEKK surfaces had greater roughness and wettability than those of PEEK under the same 3D printing conditions. In vitro biological evaluations of cell morphology and proliferation on PEKK surfaces demonstrated superior cell adhesion and cell proliferation compared to those of PEEK. Moreover, animal tests were conducted to assess their osseointegration performance followed by CT scanning, histological studies, and push-out tests. The CT scanning and histological results agree well with each other on the better bone quality and quantity surrounding the PEKK implants than those of the PEEK implants, which was consistent with the higher pushing-out force achieved in PEKK implant than those of the PEEK implant. In conclusion, the FFF 3D-printed PEKK is an ideal bone substitute material with outstanding mechanical and biological properties.

Type: Article
Title: Properties investigation on 3D-printed polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) – a proper candidate for bone replacement
Location: Netherlands
DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2025.214442
Publisher version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioadv.2025.214442
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.
Keywords: Fused filament fabrication (FFF), Osseointegration, Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), Z-axis mechanical properties
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Medical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Medical Sciences > Div of Surgery and Interventional Sci
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Medical Sciences > Div of Surgery and Interventional Sci > Department of Ortho and MSK Science
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10212339
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