Preparation of nano-HA/PLA composite by modified-PLA for controlling the growth of HA crystals

In order to control the growth of hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals and obtain nano-hydroxyapatite/poly(lactide) (n-HA/PLA) composite with interfacial interaction between the two phases, PLA surfaces were modified with poly(α-methacrylic acid) (PMAA) via photooxidization and UV induced polymerization. FTIR analysis showed that the PMAA was grafted onto the PLA surface and the grafting rate increased with the grafting time. The n-HA/PLA composites were synthesized by modified-PLA and characterized by FTIR, XRD and SEM. Several analyses suggested that the m-PLA could act as a template to manipulate the nucleation and growth of n-HA crystals, control the morphology and size of n-HA crystals as well as their distribution over the organic phase.