Synthesis and In Vitro Bioactivity of Hydroxyapatite/Polyamide66 Nanocomposite
A stable n-HA non-aqueous sol was prepared. During the reaction, the gelatin coated the surface of n-HA rod and chemically bonded with the n-HA. PA66 was dissolved in formic acid and then added to n-HA sol with constant stirring for 3 hours at room temperature, a homogenous composite of 40wt.% n-HA and 60wt.% PA66 was successfully synthesized. It was found that no new phases appeared during formulating the n-HA sol and PA66 solution, but the crystallinity of PA66 was lower. The amide groups in the gelatin are same as PA66, the gelatin coated n-HA sol and PA66 solution have very good compatibility. The developed n-HA/PA66 composites were then soaked in a simulated body fluid (SBF) for 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks, respectively. It was found that the composites immersed for 2 weeks effectively induced a new bone-like apatite layer with lower crystallinity. The n-HA/PA66 composites have much better bioactivity than PA66.