Synthesis and characterization of COLL–PVA/HA hybrid materials with stratified morphology

This work presents the synthesis of two hybrid materials: collagen (COLL)–polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (1:2 wt) and collagen–polyvinyl alcohol/hydroxyapatite (HA) (1:2:3 wt). Starting from the above compositions, different kinds of composites were obtained based on the drying methods: controlled drying at 30  °C and freeze drying. The materials were analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared microscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well as by measuring the density, porosity and absorption of xylene for each sample by Arthur method. Based on the SEM images, the freeze drying and the controlled drying could be clearly concluded to lead to porous and dense COLL–PVA/HA hybrid materials, respectively. Such materials have exhibited a stratified morphology, the distance between sheets increasing with the increase of the organic components content. Based on the literature data, the obtained COLL–PVA/HA composite materials are valuable bone grafts materials and drug delivery systems.