Preparation and properties of carbon nanotube-reinforced hydroxyapatite

Composites of hydroxyapatite (HA) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been prepared and characterised for potential application in major load-bearing medical devices. We have studied the effect of nanotube surface chemistry, composite preparation methods, and heat treatment conditions on the microstructure of the composites, dispersion of CNTs, and interaction between the HA and CNTs. The samples were characterised using SEM, XRD, FTIR, and BET surface area. It was found that, compared with pure HA, the composites had lower densities and higher surface areas. Additionally, functionalisation improved the dispersion of CNTs in the HA matrix and the interaction between the two phases.