Polymer Chemistry-Driven Design of a Severable Dental Prophylaxis Instrument: Leveraging PEEK and Composites for Enhanced Functionality

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 06 | Page : 869 877
    By

    Girish Suragimath,

  • Aishwarya Achari,

  • Siddhartha A. Varma,

  • Sameer A. Zope,

  • Ashwinirani S.R.,

  1. Professor, Department of Periodontology, School of Dental Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Karad, Maharashtra, India
  2. Researcher, Department of Periodontology, School of Dental Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Karad, Maharashtra, India
  3. Associate Professor, Department of Periodontology, School of Dental Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Karad, Maharashtra, India
  4. Associate Professor, Department of Periodontology, School of Dental Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Karad, Maharashtra, India
  5. Associate Professor, Department of Oral Medicine & Radiology, School of Dental Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Karad, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Polymer chemistry unlocks new possibilities for dental prophylaxis instruments by leveraging molecular design for enhanced functionality. This study explores Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK), a semi-crystalline thermoplastic, in a novel instrument with a severable working end, featuring a tubular structure with internal screw threads (0.5–0.8 cm) anchoring replaceable elements via a threaded mechanism. PEEK’s aromatic backbone, alternating ether and ketone groups, yields a tensile strength of ~100 MPa, chemical inertness against saliva and sterilants, and a high glass transition temperature (~143°C), making it ideal for durable, lightweight dental tools. Compared to stainless steel, PEEK slashes weight by 41%, boosting portability. Fabrication exploits PEEK’s melt processability (melting point ~343°C) through injection molding, enabling precise threading and scalable production. Carbon-fiber-reinforced PEEK (CF-PEEK) enhances shear strength to 120 MPa via fiber-polymer chain alignment, outperforming steel in torque resistance (13.8 Nm). A silicone elastomer composite, bonded to PEEK’s surface, elevates grip friction to 0.62, harnessing polymer-polymer interfacial chemistry for superior handling. Experimental outcomes affirm PEEK’s lightweight (14.8 g) sturdiness and biocompatibility, with CF-PEEK excelling in mechanical tests. These advancements stem from PEEK’s crystallinity (~35%) and composite synergy, reducing maintenance costs and enhancing usability for dentists. This work underscores polymer chemistry’s role in tailoring molecular structure and composite systems, offering economical alternatives to metal instruments. Future explorations could target polysulfone or hybrid designs, amplifying polymers’ impact on dental engineering.

Keywords: Polymer chemistry, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), dental prophylaxis, severable instruments, composites, injection molding, biocompatibility

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer & Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
Girish Suragimath, Aishwarya Achari, Siddhartha A. Varma, Sameer A. Zope, Ashwinirani S.R.. Polymer Chemistry-Driven Design of a Severable Dental Prophylaxis Instrument: Leveraging PEEK and Composites for Enhanced Functionality. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2025; 13(06):869-877.
How to cite this URL:
Girish Suragimath, Aishwarya Achari, Siddhartha A. Varma, Sameer A. Zope, Ashwinirani S.R.. Polymer Chemistry-Driven Design of a Severable Dental Prophylaxis Instrument: Leveraging PEEK and Composites for Enhanced Functionality. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2025; 13(06):869-877. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=224532


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Special Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 13
Special Issue 06
Received 12/03/2025
Accepted 16/04/2025
Published 22/08/2025
Publication Time 163 Days
201

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