Hardness and elastic modulus properties of PEEK material as an alternative to Poly Methyl Metha Acrylate (in- vitro study)

Objectives: To assess hardness and elastic modulus properties of Poly Ether Ether ketone (PEEK) as an analogue to Poly methyl Metha Acrylate (PMMA) denture-base material, this in-vitro experiment was carried out. Material and methods: Overall forty sample specimens (n=40) of PEEK (n=20) Group K and PMMA(n=20) Group P were prepared; each was then split into two subgroups: subgroup K1(PEEK) (n=10) and subgroup P1( PMMA)( n=10) for hardness test using Vickers microhardness tester and group K2 (PEEK) (n=10) and group P2 ( PMMA)( n=10) for elastic modulus test by three-point bend test. obtained values were subjected to statistical analysis using student t-test in order to compare hardness and elastic modulus of PEEK and PMMA. Results: It was discovered that PEEK groups had statistically significant greater Vickers hardness values and elastic modulus average values than PMMA group as tested by student t-test (p = <0.0001 < 0.05). Conclusions: PEEK has superior hardness and elastic modulus properties that can serve as an alternate base material for dentures to overcome some problems of Poly Methyl Metha Acrylate denture-base material.