What type of thermoplastic is biocompatible and suitable for AM dental and medical applications?

The correct answer is polyamide. Polyamide, commonly known as nylon, is a type of thermoplastic that is recognized for its strength, flexibility, and resistance to wear. These properties make it particularly suitable for additive manufacturing (AM) in dental and medical applications, where durability and biocompatibility are crucial. Biocompatibility refers to the material's ability to coexist with biological tissues without causing adverse reactions, which is essential for implants, prosthetics, and dental devices that interact directly with the human body.

In addition to its mechanical properties, polyamide can be synthesized and processed in a way that aligns with the biocompatibility requirements for medical use. This makes it a popular choice for producing parts that need to be both functional and safe for use in healthcare settings.

In contrast, while other thermoplastics like polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene have their own specific applications, they don't possess the same level of biocompatibility or mechanical properties needed for the demanding environments of dental and medical AM applications. Polystyrene, for instance, is often brittle and not as suitable for load-bearing applications, while polyethylene and polypropylene lack the same favorable characteristics for biocompatibility in medical contexts. Thus, polyamide stands out as the