The aim of the present study is to synthesize hydroxyapatite from seashell and to explore its biocompatibility in vitro. Nano-crystalline hydroxyapatite (HAp) ceramics were successfully fabricated by a mechanochemical method using clam seashells and phosphoric acid. The CaO and H 3 PO 4 acid at different w.t% ratios i.e. 1:0.75, 1:1.25, 1:1.5 and 1:1.75, were ball milled and then heat treated at 1000 °C for 3 h to complete reactions. The synthesized powders were characterized using x-ray diffraction (XRD), FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. XRD results showed that the average crystallite size of the powder varies from 53 to 67 nm and crystallinity of powder found to be in the range of 88% and 96%. In vitro biocompatibility studies were carried out using osteoblast (MG63) and fibroblast cells (NIH3T3), demonstrated non-toxic nature of the seashell derived HAp powder.

Mesoporous and core–shell like (p)CuO–(n)ZnO nanocomposites were prepared using microstructural refinement and solid state reactions, which showed enhanced photochemical and electrochemical performances.

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Enhancement in toughness without reducing its mechanical property is a serious issue in context of application of the biocomposites. Therefore, in this study, the effect of incorporation of Al2O3 and ZrO2 particles in the polymer matrix on the mechanical properties of jute fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester biocomposites were investigated. Reinforcements with fibers were carried out in different weight proportions (5–25%) and with varied fiber lengths. The biocomposites were fabricated using hand lay‐up method. Overall 20 wt % filler content (18 wt% fiber and 2 wt% metal oxide particles) was selected as the optimized composition. The fibers were treated with NaOH solution for better compatibility with matrix whereas the particles were treated with silane for better adherence with the matrix. Microhardness, tensile, flexural, and impact properties of the biocomposites were evaluated as per standard. Fractography of the biocomposites were done using scanning electron microscope. It was found that the ZrO2 particle incorporated bicomposites show better mechanical properties than the Al2O3 dispersed bicomposites. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E101–E112, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers