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

Naser, Huda Jaafar; Al-Naser, Zainab H

doi:10.25130/tjds.14.1.9

	Incorporation of Nano-Hydroxyapatite and Chitosan Nanofibers into Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) for Enhanced Bioactive Fixed Prostheses: An In Vitro Study
Tikrit Journal for Dental Sciences
Volume 14, Issue 1, June 2026, Pages 87-92 PDF (313.75 K)
Document Type: Original Article
DOI: 10.25130/tjds.14.1.9
Authors
Huda Jaafar Naser^* ¹; Zainab H Al-Naser²
¹college of dentistry, university of misan
²department of prosthodontics, college of dentistry, university of Basrah
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.
Keywords
Polyetheretherketone; Nano-hydroxyapatite; chitosan nanofibers; flexural strength; fixed dental prostheses

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