Evaluation of the electrical and dielectric behavior of the apatite layer formed on the surface of hydroxyapatite/hardystonite/copper oxide hybrid nanocomposites for bone repair applications

Abstract

The work aimed to prepare nanocomposites with good electrical and mechanical properties and acceptable bioactivity behavior to be suitable for bone repair applications. In this context, hydroxyapatite (HA) and hardystonite (HT) were prepared by mechanochemical synthesis method. Subsequently, nanocomposites of different contents of HA, HT and copper oxide (CuO) were prepared, sintered and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, bioactivity was evaluated in vitro after treatment in simulated body fluid (SBF) and HA layer formation was confirmed by SEM in conjunction with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The electrical and dielectric properties were measured before and after treatment in SBF solution. Elastic and physical properties were also measured. The results clarified that the sintering temperature used along with the successive increase of HT and CuO contents achieved good densification behavior and better mechanical properties, especially compressive strength, to avoid the stress-shielded bone effect. Also, HT and CuO positively enhanced the electrical conductivity and reduced the dielectric properties of nanocomposites prepared. The latter results have a great role in promoting fracture healing. Based on the above results, the prepared nanocomposites are promising for potential use in bone repair applications.