Preparation of nano-titanium oxide with anatase structure/polyethylene composite

Abstract

A bioactive bone-substitutes with mechanical properties analogous to those of natural bone are strongly desired to be developed. In the present study, PE/ TiO₂ composites were prepared from anatase (TiO₂) nano-powder and polyethylene (PE) with different melting flow rate (MFR) using a batch-kneader. The composite with a uniform distribution of Ti0₂ powder were prepared. The composite prepared from PE of MFR=8 shows the highest bending strength (about 50MPa) and Young' s modulus (about 7GPa) within the range of the mechanical properties of natural bone. The composite formed apatite on its surface in a simulated body fluid within 7 days. Therefore, PE/ TiO₂ composites with such mechanical properties and bioactivity are considered to be useful as bone-repairing materials.