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Fabrication and Characterization of HA-ZrO₂-MWCNT Ceramic Composites

¹ Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
² Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: mfgary{at}inet.polyu.edu.hk.

	Abstract

In this article, a new kind of hydroxyapatite-zirconia-carbon nanotube (HA-ZrO₂-MWCNT) ceramic composites was fabricated to enhance the mechanical properties of a hydroxyapatite (HA) ceramic for satisfying various requirements in bone rehabilitation. A new dispersing process was proposed to ensure a homogeneous distribution of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the HA ceramic matrix. The flexural strength and fracture toughness of the HA-ZrO₂-CNT composites were enhanced by about 126% and 124%, respectively, as compared with those of the unmodified HA ceramics. The X-ay diffraction analysis revealed that a small quantity of HA decomposed in the composites with introduction of strengthening phases. The in vitro test results showed that the sample surfaces were covered with a new apatite layer after immersion in simulated body fluid for 10 days, indicating good biocompatibility of the composites.

First published on October 20, 2009
Journal of Composite Materials 2009, doi:10.1177/0021998309349552


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