Polymer-ceramic nanocomposites are hybrid organo-inorganic materials. The filler phase is required at nanometer level, it means that at least one dimension of the filler phase is less than 100 nm. Boosted research interest in field of the nanocomposites is observed last decade [1][2][3][4] because of remarkable improvement of various nanocomposite properties adding low volume fractions of fillers [3]. The virgin polymer exhibits poor mechanical properties such as low strength and modulus. Introducing a small amount of ceramic particles into the polymer matrix, we can observe improvement of the properties of polymer [4]. One of the most common filler for polymers, especially for medical uses is hydroxyapatite, which is the most common apatitic calcium phosphate ceramic. The most important calcium phosphates are hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate and dicalcium phosphate. Hydroxyapatite (HAp), Ca 10(PO4)6(OH)2, is a major component of hard tissues. HAp is very cheap material, which has wide utilization in medical field and also in industry. Synthetic HAp finds many applications mainly in bioceramic [5][6][7][8].Clay minerals are natural materials from phyllosilicate family. They are hydrous aluminium, iron and magnesium silicates with layered structure. Clays have characteristic layered structure contains aluminia octahedral layer and two silica tetrahedral sheets [9]. Polymer/HAp nanocomposite is widely studied materials in recent years. The main advantage is their utilization in medicine, due to improved mechanical properties and also biocompatible properties [10]. The aim of this mini review is to summarize the preparation of polymer/HAp nanocomposites, the influence of HAp filler on mechanical properties of nanocomposite and also the dispersion of hydroxypapatite in polymeric matrix. Polymer/clay mineral composites are widely used in recent years, and also the exploration of this topic is significant. It was many times proven that addition of small amount of clay mineral in to the polymer matrix improves the mechanical properties of polymer [11][12][13].Combination of polymer, hydroxyapatite and clay mineral leads to the composite with unique properties and wide range of application, especially in the medicine, since the non-living, inorganic chemical make-up of our teeth and bones is primarily composed of hydroxyapatite (Figure1).In this review the main aspects of apatitic calcium phosphates are presented. Focus is here on basic preparation techniques and their limitation, properties of prepared nanocomposites and draft-possibilities of application. Martynková GS, et al., J Nanotechnol Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2015, 2: 007 DOI: 10.24966/NTMB-2044 HSOA Journal of Nanotechnology: Nanomedicine & Nanobiotechnology
Review Article
AbstractNanocomposites of hydroxyapatite/polymer and hydroxyapatite/ polymer/clay mineral are studied for pronounced further application in medicine. The ceramic filler influence the mechanical properties of polymeric matrix. This mini review summarizes the influence of hydroxyapatite on...