Synthesis, structural and 3-D architecture of lanthanum oxide added hydroxyapatite composites for bone implant applications: Enhanced microstructural and mechanical properties

摘要

In the present study, pure hydroxyapatite (HAp) nano powder was prepared successfully via microwave irradiation method. To enhance the mechanical properties of pure HAp, La2O3 was taken as an additive. HAp composites were synthesized with addition of different concentrations of La2O3 (0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.5 wt%) by conventional solid state route. The HAp-La2O3 powders were sintered at 1200 degrees C for 3 h. On the basis of XRD results, formation of HAp-La2O3 was confirmed. The surface morphology of the composite samples was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the presence of tiny particles of La2O3 in the HAp matrix with adequate porosity. The mechanical properties of the pure HAp and its composites were determined by universal testing machine (UTM). The 0.5 wt% of HAp-La2O3 sample exhibited the highest density, 2.85 g/cm(3) and mechanical strength 108.89 MPa. The calculated values of Young's modulus, fracture toughness and load bearing capability are 90.75 GPa, 130.06 MJ/m(3) and 3.85 k.N respectively. It was observed that the addition of La2O3 significantly improved the mechanical properties of HAp. To see the cytotoxicity effect on HAp-La2O3 composites (0.1 and 0.5 wt%), MIT assay were performed using osteoblast cells.