Nanocomposite Prepared from Carbon Nanotubes and Hydroxyapatite Precursors

Abstract

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and the hydroxyapatite (HA) precursor of CaHPO₄·H₂O and Ca(OH)₂ were mixed in water slurry and sintered at 1200^oC at 120 MPa by spark plasma sintering (SPS). MWNTs were dispersed in the composite as agglomerates less than 50 mm in length and 5 mm in width, consisting of MWNTs and alumina nanocrystals smaller than 100 nm. The bulk density and Vickers hardness were decreased with increasing content of MWNTs. The strength of the composite was improved by the addition of MWNTs. Pull-out MWNTs were observed on the fracture surface of the agglomerate and contributed to strengthen the composite.