Abstract: The selection of an appropriate biomaterial plays a significant role in improving the performance and longevity of medical implants. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), 30% glass fiber reinforced PEEK (PEEK 30% GF), and SS316L stainless steel were comparatively evaluated to determine their suitability for long-term orthopedic applications. Wear experiments were conducted under identical testing conditions by measuring wear depth, frictional force, coefficient of friction, and weight loss. The age-dependent mechanical properties of human bone were also considered to assess the compatibility of these materials with natural bone behaviour. The experimental results revealed that PEEK exhibited the lowest wear, minimum weight loss, and superior tribological performance. PEEK 30% GF provided enhanced mechanical strength with satisfactory wear resistance, whereas SS316L showed the highest material loss and comparatively poorer wear performance. Overall, the findings demonstrate that PEEK-based biomaterials provide improved durability and mechanical compatibility, making them promising candidates for future orthopedic and spinal implant applications.

Keywords: SS316L, Implant materials, Wear analysis, PEEK, Polymer, Biomaterials, Biocompatibility

Pages: 120-131