TiO₂ Nanoparticles / HDPE Composite with High Mechanical Propertyas Bone-Repairing Materials

Abstract

Composite material based on high density polyethylene (Melt flow rate is 8) and TiO₂ nanoparticles, hereafter TiO₂/HDPE, were prepared by kneading and compacting process. The effects of TiO₂ volume concentration on mechanical properties and apatite forming ability were assessed. The flexural strengths increased from 28.5 to 54.1 MPa with increasing TiO₂ volume concentration from 0 to 50 %. Young′s modulus also increased from 1.4 to 7.5 GPa with increasing TiO₂ content. TiO₂/HDPE were soaked in a simulated body fluid at 36.5^oC for up to 14 days. The apatite forming ability increased with increasing TiO₂ content. For above 40vol% TiO₂ content, the apatite was formed on the composites within 7 days.