Structure, mechanical and bioactive behaviors of polyamide 6/hydroxyapatite nanocomposites

Polyamide 6 (PA6) nanocomposites filled with 2, 4, 6, 8 wt% hydroxyapatite nanorods (nHA) were compounded in Brabender extruder followed by injection molding. The effect of nHA additions on the structure, mechanical properties and in vitro bioactivities of such nanocomposties were investigated. XRD patterns showed that PA6 crystallized exclusively in the ¿-form by adding nHA. DSC analysis revealed that nHA retards the crystallization of PA6. SEM images showed that nHA dispersed uniformly in the polar PA6 matrix. Mechanical measurements demonstrated that nHA stiffen and strengthen PA6 at the expenses of tensile elongation and impact toughness. Bio-mineralization immersion and in vitro mouse osteoblast cell culture tests confirmed the excellent biocompatibility and bioactivity of PA6/nHA nanocomposites.