EVALUATION OF A HYBRID BIOCOMPOSITE OF HA/HDPE REINFORCED WITH MULTI-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBES (MWCNTs) AS A BONE-SUBSTITUTE MATERIAL

Abstract

In this investigation, multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with various percentages including 0.6, 1, 1.4 and 2 % were combined into high-density polyethylene (HDPE 60 w/%) and hydroxyapatite (HA 40 w /%) to form a biocomposite, using hot-press techniques. The surface topography shown by AFM images illustrates the differences in the roughness of the samples' surfaces with different percentages of added MWCNTs. The DSC technique exhibits the effect of adding MWCNTs in different percentages, creating a degree of crystallinity that affects the mechanical properties of the samples. The in vitro bioactivity was investigated by immersing the samples in Ringer's solution acting as simulated body fluid (SBF) for (0, 3, 6, 9, 12) d. The FE-SEM and EDX image explained the HA layers formed on a sample's surface after 3 d in Ringer's solution. Based on the XRD technique, after being immersed in Ringer's solution, the HA crystallographic structure forms monetite. The enhancement of bioactivity was shown during the incorporation of MWCNTs into the HA/HDPE composite. These results exhibited excellent indications of biocompatibility properties with a possibility of making promising biomaterials for making bone-substitute applications.