Spectral characterization of apatite formation on poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate)–TiO2 nanocomposite film prepared by sol–gel process

Poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) films incorporated with titanium dioxide nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by an in situ sol–gel process. The in vitro bioactive properties of the films were assessed after immersion in simulated body fluid for up to 21 days through biomimetic method. Hydroxyapatite formation was observed on the surfaces of nanocomposites. This indicates that prepared composites are bioactive. Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction patterns, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope images confirm the hydroxyapatite formation on nanocomposite. The present study provides an analytical method for the assessment of titanium dioxide nanoparticles filled poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) polymer nanocomposites for biomedical applications.