High-performance silica nanoparticle reinforced poly (vinyl alcohol) as templates for bioactive nanocomposites

作者：Bhattacharya Mrinal^*; Chaudhry Sunayana

来源：Materials Science & Engineering C-Materials for Biological Applications, 2013, 33(5): 2601-2610.

DOI：10.1016/j.msec.2013.02.029

• Bioactive composite
• Solvent casting
• Mechanical properties
• Hydroxyapatite

Silica nanoparticle reinforced poly (vinyl alcohol) cast sheets 40 mu m thick were tested for mechanical and biological properties. The films were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. The crystallinity decreased with increased silica content Changes in the morphology and structure upon the addition of silica suggest the formation of cross-linking. The modulus increased from 300 MPa for PVA to 72 GPa for 120 wt.% silica nanoparticle in the blend and the tensile strength increased from 3.5 MPa to 35 MPa. The modulus estimated using dynamic tests, tensile tests, and nanoindentation was comparable and was predicted well using the Halpin-Tsai's equation. The nanocomposites were an order of magnitude tougher than the pure polymer. Silica based nanocomposite was also found to be an excellent template for the deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite when immersed in simulated body fluid. The modulus and tensile strength of apatite coated silica nanoparticle (120 wt.%)-PVA composite increased to 11 GPa and 65 MPa respectively, close to that of cortical bone. The results represent one of the largest increases in mechanical properties of nanocomposite mimicking the properties of human bone. The addition of silica can also aid in osseointegration.

• 出版日期2013-7-1