Xu Zhang

Prof. Dr. Xu Zhang


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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21 May 2026 in Biomimetics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MQMei-li Qi
Mei-li Qi
YZYanwei Zhao
Yanwei Zhao
瑾陈瑾文 陈
瑾文 陈
SZShengtao Zhang
Shengtao Zhang
JZJie Zhang
Jie Zhang
XZXu Zhang
Xu Zhang
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is widely employed in orthopedic applications due to its bone-mimetic mechanical properties and excellent biocompatibility, establishing it as a promising candidate for bone repair and regeneration. However, the investigation of structural integrity and microstructural features of PEEK implants has remained limited owing to its low atomic number (Z < 8) and hierarchical microstructure. This study presents a comparative characterization of PEEK implants by integrating laboratory X-ray computed tomography (CT) and synchrotron X-ray phase-contrast tomography (SXCT). Laboratory X-ray CT, operating on absorption contrast mechanisms, demonstrates adequate capacity for visualizing macroscopic defects and pore architectures, but exhibits limitations in resolving subtle density variations. In contrast, SXCT, employing phase-contrast imaging, significantly enhances discrimination of ultra-low-contrast features, including interconnected pore networks and localized density gradients. This work elucidates the complementary advantages and inherent limitations of both the imaging modalities for characterizing PEEK-based biomaterials. Furthermore, it demonstrates the potential extensibility of this comparative approach to other polymer composites, offering a methodology to investigate material–tissue interactions in orthopedic research and advancing the development of next-generation implantable devices.