Mineralization of surfactant functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to prepare hydroxyapatite/MWCNTs nanocomposite

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were well dispersed in water and functionalized by adding surface active agent (i.e., sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS). Subsequently, biomimetic mineralization was carried out on the SDS functionalized MWCNTs by using an alternate soaking process (ASP) in the Ca/P solutions. As-prepared samples were characterized by transmission electron microscope, infrared spectrum and X-ray diffraction. The results show that nano-HA crystals were formed on the SDS functionalized MWCNTs and the mineralized MWCNTs remained a dispersing state. As-prepared HA–MWCNTs nanocomposite combining the osteconductive property of HA and the excellent mechanical property of MWCNTs will provide a promising material for bone tissue engineering.