Preparation and characterization of hydroxyapatide powder/poly(Acrylamide/Itaconic acid) composite hydrogel

Hydroxyapatite(HAp)-contained AAm hydrogel can be fabricated with the introduction of Itaconic acid (IA). The gel will not only be easy to make desired shapes in workplace, but also have better mechanical strength to meet the requirements of the bone substitute. IA will increase the mechanical strength through enhancing the degree of polymerization. The swelling ratios of composite hydrogel decreased from 16 to 10 as HAp powder was added. The compressive strength of HAp/Poly(AAm/IA) composite hydrogel also increases, from 22 N (Newton Force) to 81 N. the swelling capacity of HAp/Poly(AAm/IA) composite hydrogel can reach as high as 800%similar to1000%.