CONTROL OF MECHANICAL RESPONSES IN INSITU POLYMER-HYDROXYAPATITE COMPOSITES FOR BONE REPLACEMENT

Abstract eng:
Polymer-hydroxyapatite (HAP) composites are extensively studied for their potential use as bone replacement materials. In situ mineralization of HAP and the role of organics in initial nucleation and growth of HAP is critical for the resulting nano and microstructure of HAP. It is becoming increasing known that materials based on or mimicking biological structures exhibit far superior properties. In order to mimic biological processes, HAP is synthesized in the presence of polymeric additives. A molecular control of the crystallization of HAP to obtain desirable response of composite to loading is attempted. This work presents fundamental studies on the role of initial mineralization of HAP on bulk mechanical responses of composite. Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance (FTIR ATR) spectroscopic experiments are undertaken to evaluate the association of polymeric chains with HAP during mineralization processes. Small changes are seen in the absorbance spectra of in situ HAP that relate to large differences in mechanical response of the composite to loading. Changes in mechanical response in the in situ composites include improved strain to failure and improved compressive strength under aqueous environment. In addition, smaller plastic strains are observed for in situ samples when subjected to cyclic loading. Our results may have significant implications in the design of biomaterials for biomedical applications

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