Boron nitride nanotube reinforced hydroxyapatite composite:​ mechanical and tribological performance and <em>in-vitro</em> biocompatibility to osteoblasts

Lahiri, Debrupa; Singh, Virendra; Benaduce, Ana Paula; Seal, Sudipta; Kos, Lidia; Agarwal, Arvind

Affiliations

¹Nanomechanics and Nanotribology Lab and High Temperature Tribology Lab, Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33174, USA

²AMPAC and Nanoscience Technology Center, 4000 Central FL Blvd, AMPAC, Eng 1 Room 381, University of Central Florida, Orlando 32816, USA

³Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33174, USA

Abstract

This study proposes boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) reinforced hydroxyapatite (HA) as a novel composite material for orthopedic implant applications. The spark plasma sintered (SPS) composite structure shows higher density compared to HA. Minimal lattice mismatch between HA and BNNT leads to coherent bonding and strong interface. HA-4 wt% BNNT composite offers excellent mechanical properties—120% increment in elastic modulus, 129% higher hardness and 86% more fracture toughness, as compared to HA. Improvements in the hardness and fracture toughness are related to grain refinement and crack bridging by BNNTs. HA–BNNT composite also shows 75% improvement in the wear resistance. The wear morphology suggests localized plastic deformation supported by the sliding of outer walls of BNNT. Osteoblast proliferation and cell viability show no adverse effect of BNNT addition. HA–BNNT composite is, thus, envisioned as a potential material for stronger orthopedic implants.

Links

DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2010.09.005

PubMed: 21094479

WoS: 000286126400006

History

Received: 2010-05-28

Revised: 2010-09-14

Online: 2010-09-21

Cited Works (1)

Year	Entry
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