Synthesis and characterization of nanocomposite based on hydroxyapatite and monetite

• Ripening time favors the formation of nano-needle shape and hydroxyapatite phase.
• The nanoparticles mainly interact with the hard domains of the polyurethane
• Prepared composites showed an increase of surface energy compared to bare polymer.

A mixture of hydroxyapatite (HAp) and monetite (DCPA) was synthesized under conditions of precipitation without pH adjustment by varying the ripening time of 0, 32, 76 and 144 h, followed by a hydrothermal process. The prepared samples were characterized by different techniques. It was concluded that the crystallinity and the morphology of the nanoparticles was dependent on the ripening time, hydroxyapatite crystalline phase and needle-like morphology was favored by higher ripening times. Subsequently the sample with a maturation period of 144 hours was incorporated in a polyurethane matrix, and it was observed that nanoparticles increased the dispersive component of the surface free energy of the composite.

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