The biocompatible high-performance material PEEK (polyetheretherketone) is an attractive implant material, however, its hydrophobicity and high friction coefficients severely hinder its biomedical applications. Thus, it is inferred from the recent advances in surface modification technology, achieving the biomimetic natural joint lubrication systems on PEEK still remains a challenge. In view of the above, herein we proposed a novel two-step strategy to fabricate a “soft (dual cross-linked hydrogel) layer-hard (PEEK) substrate” texture that mimics the structure and function of soft cartilage on the hard basal bone in joints. At first, a layer of acrylic acid-co-acryl amide (AA-AM) hydrogel is anchored to the PEEK substrate through UV-initiated polymerization. In the second step, hydrogel coated PEEK substrate is immersed in ferric nitrate solution to create the secondary cross-linkage between Fe³⁺ and –COOH groups in the hydrogel. As a result, the consequential top-coat hydrogel layer not only transforms the surface wettability (hydrophobic to hydrophilic) but also provides scratch resistance to the underlying PEEK substrate. The modified specimens display low friction coefficients in water under different load conditions. In addition, the obtained surface exhibits a certain self-repairing ability due to its unique physically reversible network structure. Therefore, this work provides a promising strategy for broadening the use of PEEK in orthopedic implants.

生物相容性高性能材料PEEK（聚醚醚酮）是一种有吸引力的植入物材料，但是，其疏水性和高摩擦系数严重阻碍了其生物医学应用。因此，从表面改性技术的最新进展中可以推断，在PEEK上实现仿生天然关节润滑系统仍然是一个挑战。有鉴于此，我们在本文中提出了一种新颖的两步策略来制造“软（双交联水凝胶）层硬（PEEK）基质”质地，该质地模仿硬基骨上软软骨的结构和功能。在关节。首先，通过紫外线引发的聚合反应将一层丙烯酸-共-丙烯酰胺（AA-AM）水凝胶固定在PEEK基材上。第二步水凝胶中的³⁺和–COOH基团。结果，相应的面漆水凝胶层不仅改变了表面润湿性（从疏水性到亲水性），而且还为下面的PEEK基材提供了耐刮擦性。改性后的样品在不同载荷条件下在水中的摩擦系数较低。另外，所获得的表面由于其独特的物理可逆网络结构而具有一定的自我修复能力。因此，这项工作为扩大PEEK在整形外科植入物中的应用提供了有希望的策略。