The importance of chitosan and nano-TiHA in cement-type composites on the basis of calcium sulfate

The objective of this study was to combine titanium doped nano-hydroxyapatite with chitosan and calcium sulfate to obtain cement-type materials with improved cohesion and handling properties. It was proven that the presence of nano-TiHA influenced setting, hardening, microstructure and bioactivity of the cement samples. In the developed composites chitosan played a role of the cohesion promotor and created homogenous organic layers on the materials surfaces. Application of chitosan in acetic acid solution favorably delayed setting process of calcium sulfate dihydrate. The polymer combined with nano-TiHA and calcium sulfate improved handling and workability of the cements without diminishing their mechanical properties. It was suggested that the resorption rate of materials based on calcium sulfate can be optimized by addition of both titanium doped nano-hydroxyapatite and chitosan.