Preparation and characterization of mechanical properties of carbon nanotube/45S5Bioglass composites for biologic applications

Multi-wall carbon nanotube/45S5Bioglass® composites have been successfully synthesized by means of a mechanical alloying process followed by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The mechanical properties of the composites, such as hardness, flexural strength, and fracture toughness, were measured. Experimental results show that the optimal processing parameters are wet mixing 10 min followed by dry mixing 10 min, at SPS temperature 850 °C, pressure 40 MPa, and holding time 10 min. Composites sintered under these conditions showed maximum mechanical properties. Compared with the 45S5Bioglass matrix, the hardness of composites decreased appreciably, while flexural strength and fracture toughness increased 159% and 105%, respectively. Enhanced strength and toughness are attributed to the interfacial bonding mechanism between carbon nanotubes and bioglass powders during crack propagation.