Scientists from Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after H. M. Berbekov (KBSU) have found a way to improve one of the strongest plastics used in medicine, aviation, and the space industry. The new material will help create more precise parts on 3D printers – from satellite components to medical implants.
Researchers have created a new version of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) – a high-temperature thermoplastic that has long been considered one of the most reliable materials of its type. It is used in the production of medical instruments, dental and cranial implants, electronics insulation, as well as aircraft and satellite components. However, when 3D printing, this plastic had a serious problem: parts could deform.
To solve this problem, scientists changed the material itself at the molecular level. A special additive was incorporated into PEEK, which prevents it from hardening too quickly upon cooling. Thanks to this, the plastic remains flexible longer after printing, layers bond better with each other, and the finished part deforms less.
Laboratory tests confirmed the effectiveness of the new approach: test samples maintained shape stability. Currently, the development exists at the laboratory concept stage.
Scientists plan to scale up the technology to apply it in the future for the production of complex parts in the aerospace industry and medicine, where even a small change in shape can be critical. The research results are published in the journal Polymers.