Design of Hydroxyapatite/Magnetite (HAP/Fe3O4) Based Composites Reinforced with ZnO and MgO for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite (HAP-Ca 10 (PO 4) 6 (OH) 2) is a biocompatible and bioactive material that is widely used for biomedical applications, especially in bone replacements. It has good load carrying capacity; however, it lacks antibacterial property. New bio-composites based on bovine hydroxyapatite doped with, magnetite iron oxide (HAP/ Fe 3 O 4) matrix reinforced with ZnO and MgO nanoparticles are proposed for biomedical applications that provide improved antibacterial activity with potential to be used in magnetic therapy. Microwave sintering was used to manufacture the composites. The microstructure evolution in these composites were studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Density, microhardness, compressive strength of the composites was measured and compared along with their magnetic properties. Finite element analysis simulations were performed for the compression tests.