A Novel Polymeric Composite for Orthopaedic Applications

The objective of this work is to develop a polymer-ceramic composite from locally available materials which will be suitable for orthopaedic applications. Hydroxyapatite (HAp) has been reinforced with High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Carborundum (SiC) for improved mechanical properties.

The biologically derived HAp from bovine bones was thoroughly mixed with HDPE granules and SiC powder in six varying proportions in the ratio 4:3:3 respectively. The composites were fabricated into a cylindrical specimen of 32 mm diameter and 32 mm height under a constant temperature and pressure of 150^oC and 70 MPa respectively for a period of 40 mins.

The results of the mechanical property tests revealed optimum compressive strength of 40.9 MPa, and improved elastic modulus of 697.5 MPa with developed composite having HAp-50 wt%, SiC-25 wt%, and HDPE-25 wt% composition. The optimum compression strength obtained from this study is comparable to that from dentines and bovines which ranges between 9.83 and 65.01 MPa. The mechanical properties especially compression strength is important when considering applications involving load bearing, the results obtained therefore indicate that the developed composite could be a potential alternative material for load bearing applications.