Nanostructured hydroxyapatite/polydimethylsiloxane composites obtained by reactive synthesis

Abstract

Abstract In this study, we developed a novel method based on reactive synthesis to prepare nanostructured hydroxyapatite/polydimethylsiloxane (n-HA/PDMS) composites. During reactive synthesis, the formation of calcium phosphates (CP's) occurs in situ during the mixing of PDMS with H3PO4 and Ca(OH)2, thus facilitating the production and incorporation of CP and increasing adhesion between the nanoparticles produced in the polymeric matrix. Thus, we assessed the influence of the reinforcing phase on the surface energy, tensile strength, and bioactivity of the composites. Incorporation of particles into PDMS led to higher surface energy values. The presence of CPs in PDMS increased its tensile strength, thereby maintaining the maximum deformation and toughening the PDMS. In vitro bioactivity tests provided evidence of a homogeneous layer of CP crystals on the composite surface, suggesting that the method developed was suitable for obtaining composites with good nanoparticle distributions and with particles coupled to the matrix without the use of coupling agents. Thus, these nanoparticles may have the potential for use as biomaterials after pH corrections.