Abstract:

BACKGROUND: The theory of using fibers as reinforced materials to improve the properties of calcium polyphosphate (CPC) has been known and utilized. Because of low biocompatibility and stress-shielding on non-absorbable fibers, it becomes a hot point to study influence of degradable and absorbable fibers on the properties of CPC.
OBJECTIVE: To prepare CPP/alpha-tricalcium phosphate/nano-hydroxyapatite (α-TCP/n-HAP) bone cement composites, and to study the results of CPP fiber to reinforce mechanical properties of CPC bone cement.
METHODS: Firstly, α-TCP and n-HAP powder were made using solid reacting and wet reacting methods. Secondly, the two types of powder were mixed as different proportions and treated in high temperature. Thirdly, the mixed powder was compounded with CPP fiber according to different contents and lengths, with which bone cement samples were made out. Finally, hardening time and mechanical properties of the sample were measured, and microstructure of the hardened samples was observed with scanning electron microscope.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: When the amount of CPP fiber was 10% and its length was 3 mm, the compressive strength was about 66.43 MPa and the bending strength was about 13.86 MPa. Scanning electron microscope showed that CPP fibers were distributed uniformly in CPP bone cement and combined well with the base. After immersing in Ringer’s fluid for three months, the CPP fibers still had certain results of reinforcing strength. The CPP fiber can increase strength of CPP/α-TCP/n-HAP bone cement composites, which have good mechanical properties.