CHARACTERIZATION OF HYDROXYAPATITE-TITANIUM OXIDE SCAFFOLDS MADE BY THE POLYMERIC SPONGE METHOD

摘要

Along decades, bioceramics have been used as materials for bone reconstruction, where hydroxyapatite is one of the most used bioceramics. But hydroxyapatite mechanical strength is not so high when compared with another bioceramics. This research aimed to characterize hydroxyapatite-titanium oxide scaffolds with different compositions. Samples were made using a polyurethane sponge with compositions of 70%-30% wt, 60%-40% wt. and 50%-50% wt. of hydroxyapatite-titanium oxide, calcined at 550°C for burning the polymeric sponge and sintered at 1250°C, 1300°C and 1350°C. Samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Results showed that all compositions maintained the polymeric sponge pores structure without any residual traces of the polymeric sponge. Those results are in accordance with technical literature and it is indicated to do in vitro essays to study the scaffolds biocompatibility for using as bone reconstruction materials.