Grafting polymer brushes by ATRP from functionalized poly(ether ether ketone) microparticles

Abstract

Poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic with excellent mechanical and chemical properties. PEEK exhibits a high degree of resistance to thermal, chemical, and bio-degradation. PEEK is used as a biomaterial in the field of orthopedic and dental implants; however, due to its intrinsic hydrophobicity and inert surface, PEEK does not effectively support bone growth. Therefore, new methods to modify PEEK's surface to improve osseointegration are key to next-generation polymer implant materials. Unfortunately, PEEK is a challenging material to both modify and subsequently characterize thus stymieing efforts to improve PEEK osseointegration. In this manuscript, we demonstrate how surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymeri- zation can be used to modify novel PEEK microparticles (PMP). The hard core-soft shell microparticles were synthesized and characterized by dynamic light scattering, attenu- ated total reflection-infrared, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission elec- tron microscopy, indicating the grafted materials increased solubility and stability in a range of solvents. The discovered surface grafted PMP can be used as compatibilizers for the polymer-tissue interface.