Fabrication of Bioactive Fiber-reinforced PEEK and MXD6 by Incorporation of Precursor of Apatite.

We aimed to develop an effective process to provide bioactivity to carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK), glass fiber-reinforced PEEK and glass fiber-reinforced poly(m-xylyleneadipamide)-6 (MXD6), possessing similar elastic modulus to cortical bone in this study. First, we formed fine pores on the surface of each substrate by a short-time sulfuric acid treatment. Second, in order to provide hydrophilic property, we treated the surfaces of each substrate with oxygen plasma. Finally, we deposited fine particles of amorphous calcium phosphate (PrAp) in the pores by soaking each substrate in SBF adjusted at pH 8.40, 25.0°C, and subsequently kept at 70.0°C for 24 h. By this treatment, we obtained the bioactive fiber-reinforced polymers. By soaking thus-obtained each material in SBF, apatite formation was induced on the whole surface of each substrate within 1 day by PrAp deposited in the pores and high apatite-forming ability was performed on each material. The adhesive strength between the apatite layer showed high value by mechanical anchoring effect generated by the apatite formed in the pores.