| dc.description.abstract | Additive manufacturing technology, also known as 3D printing, enables rapid customization and production. Consequently, it has been increasingly utilized in the medical field for experimentation and clinical trials. The main applications of this technology include preoperative simulation, surgical guidance, tissue engineering scaffolds, and implants. In terms of surgical guidance, customized surgical guides can be produced using additive manufacturing technology. Combined with computer software assistance, these guides simulate pre- and post-operative X-ray images, assisting surgeons in performing more precise bone cutting, reducing surgical time, and minimizing complications. Compared to traditional surgical methods, this approach reduces the reliance on the experience and skills of the surgeon, resulting in more accurate and precise surgeries. Additionally, the use of a wide range of biomaterials has become possible due to these advancements. Materials used as surgical instruments need to possess superhydrophobic surfaces to prevent adhesion to bone and tissue during surgery, which can lead to infections and inflammation.
In this study, Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) was used to 3D print specimens, and Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) was selected as the printing material. PEEK is a thermoplastic polymer known for its unique properties, making it highly suitable for additive manufacturing. In recent years, PEEK has found extensive applications in the biomedical field, such as in human implants, due to its excellent biocompatibility and mechanical strength. Compared to metal implants, PEEK has an elastic modulus closer to cortical bone, making it a popular choice as a metal alternative. Furthermore, PEEK exhibits high-temperature resistance, meeting the requirements of sterilization in medical surgical equipment. PEEK is naturally hydrophobic, and in this study, its surface was sandblasted to enhance its superhydrophobicity. The water contact angle test confirmed the successful enhancement of PEEK to exhibit superhydrophobic properties. The Taguchi experimental method was employed to analyze the printing and sandblasting parameters, studying the relationship between different parameters and water contact angles. The study proposed an optimal combination of parameters to achieve the best hydrophobicity. The optimized results demonstrated a significant improvement, with the water contact angle of the sandblasted specimens being 54% higher than that of the non-sandblasted specimens. | en_US |