A Study To Evaluate The Bioactivity Behavior And Electrical Properties of Hydroxyapatite/Ag2O-Borosilicate Glass Nanocomposites For Biomedical Applications
Abstract The aim of this work is to prepare nanocomposites with excellent bioactivity and appropriate mechanical properties. In this regard, the nanocomposites, with different contents of borosilicate glass (BG) and carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA), were mixed and milled using a high-energy ball mill. Then, these milled powders were subjected to sintering at 750 ºC. In order to examine their phase composition, molecular structure and microstructure, X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively were used. Moreover, the DC electrical conductivity, and physical and mechanical properties of the prepared nanocomposites were also measured. In addition, the in vitro bioactivity of the sintered samples was evaluated using XRD and SEM. Unexpectedly; the results indicated that the successive increase in BG contents promoted the partial decomposition of CHA molecules at this lower sintering temperature. Also, it was responsible for the enhanced bioactivity behavior along with giving CHA better mechanical properties. However, the electrical conductivity of the examined samples exhibited an opposite trend where it decreased significantly with increasing BG content. According to the results obtained, the prepared samples are suitable for use in various biomedical applications.