Synthesis and characterization of hydroxyapatite-poly-(vinyl alcohol) based nanocomposites for their perspective use as bone substitutes

The present work adds to the continuing efforts of designing a natural bone like structure. In these studies the hydroxyapatite (HA) impregnated polymeric composites of polyacrylamide (PAm) and poly-(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) have been synthesized by free radical polymerization for the purpose of studying their blood compatibility, water sorption behavior mechanical properties, and porosity. The prepared PAm-PVA-HA composites were characterized using techniques like fourier transform spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction studies, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The composites were also evaluated for mechanical properties like compressive strength and modulus.