Comparison of selected properties of cements modified with glassy carbon and cancellous bone

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this manuscript was to study and analyse the properties of bone cement (VertaPlex) before and after modification with glassy carbon (Alfa Aesar) and human bone (MaxGraft). Design/methodology/approach: To achieve the assumed goal, a series of samples was made - five samples for each mixture, where: 5 bone cement samples, 5 bone cement samples mixed with 20-50 μm glassy carbon in the ratio of 1 g carbon per 40 g of cement, and 5 samples of bone cement mixed with 20-50 μm glassy carbon and human bone in the ratio of 1 g of carbon per 40 g of cement and 0.4 g of bone per 40 g of cement. The produced samples (4 for each mixture, 1 was the reference sample) were subjected to tests - compression test, microscopic observations with a 3D microscope, surface profile tests and hardness tests. Findings: The study has shown that modifications with glassy carbon and bone change the mechanical properties, as well as the strength of the samples. Compression tests have shown that the material without admixtures is characterized by the highest compressive strength and the doping of the glassy carbon itself makes the material more brittle. A significant increase in hardness was also observed for samples with glassy carbon and bones after the pressing process. Practical implications: The study was made synthetically, without taking into account the effect of the environment of body fluids and the human body temperature. This study is an introduction to further considerations where samples for which these conditions will be applied are currently being prepared. Originality/value: For commercial use, in treatment of patients, cements modified with glassy carbon and bone glassy carbon have not been used so far. Due to the prerequisites of a positive effect of glassy carbon addition on osseointegration and biocompatibility, the study in this area has been undertaken.