Interfacial fabrication and property of hydroxyapatite/polylactide resorbable bone fixation composites

Based on surface modification of hydroxyapatite with silane derivatives, interfacial fabrications of hydroxyapatite (HAP)/polylactide (PLA) resorbable bone fixation composites are realized. The results indicate that interfacial adhesion, swelling property, and ultimate mechanical properties of the HAP/PLA composites are significantly improved. As a result, the maximum bending strength enhances 27.8%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation suggests that the modified HA particles are homogeneously dispersed in the composites, their size ranges are about 2–15 μm. The modified HA/PLA composites are of toughened rupture. This conclusion is consistent with bending property of the composites. Finally, a possible mechanism for the interfacial adhesion is also discussed.