5 - Multiwalled carbon nanotube-based nanocomposites for artificial bone grafting

Abstract

This chapter presents the detailed discussion on the recently developed multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-polymers, MWCNT-hydroxyapatite, and MWCNT-bioglass biocomposites intended to explore their potential applications in the field of artificial bone grafting. It begins with an overview of the historical background of artificial bone grafting, its related aspects in terms of achievements made in this interdicipline and the shortcomings faced till date. The chapter particularly emphasizes on MWCNT as a promising candidate for synthetically engineered bone implants by undergoing an elaborate discussion on the effects of preparation methods, concentration, and other factors governing the results of biocomposites of MWCNT with polymers, hydroxyapatite, and bioglass. Their comparative studies with each other and against the conventional composites composed of polymers, metals, and ceramics used for the manufacturing of bone implants have also been focused. By the end of the chapter, it has been concluded that MWCNT can be envisaged as a dynamic biomaterial concerning the development of advanced and long-term durable bone tissue grafts attributed to the unique combination of electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of MWCNT, yet it is a fledgling material accompanied with a great scope of improvements to be made.