Viscoelastic Properties of Microstructural Components of Rat Cortical Bone Tissue as Measured by Dynamic Nanoindentation

Abstract

Dynamic nanoindentation was used to determine microstructural viscoelastic properties of single osteons and interstitial lamellae of rat cortical bone tissue. The effects of mineral, organic and water contents on macrostructural viscoelastic properties were also investigated. Compared to interstitial lamellae, the storage moduli of osteons were significantly lower; however, loss tangents were higher. The storage modulus and mineral content were correlated, and the loss tangent and the organic and water contents were linearly correlated.