title: Novel sol-gel bioactive fibers.
abstract: Bioactive fibers were produced using a sol-gel method. The rheological properties of two different sol compositions prepared from a mixture of TEOS, phosphorous alkoxide and calcium nitrate, or calcium chloride in a water-ethanol solution, are reported. The sols were extruded through a spinneret to produce continuous 10 microm-diameter fibers. Discontinuous fibers and fibrous mats were prepared by air-spraying the multicomponent sols. The sol-gel fibers were converted to the bioactive fibers by three different thermal treatments at either 600 degrees, 700 degrees, or 900 degrees C for 3 h. SEM, BET, EDX, and FTIR were used to characterize the morphology and structure of the fibers. The BET measured surface area of the fibers sintered at 900 degrees C was 0 m(2)/gm compared to a value of 200 m(2)/gm for a typical sol-gel-derived particle of similar composition. Both the continuous and discontinuous fibers exhibited in vitro bioactivity in a simulated body fluid.
authors: Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais, R. Espírito Santo 35/206 - Belo Horizonte-MG-CEP 30160-030, Brazil.
authors: R L
authors: RL
authors: Oréfice
authors: L L
authors: LL
authors: Hench
authors: A E
authors: AE
authors: Clark
authors: A B
authors: AB
authors: Brennan
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D005898:Glass; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate; D012822:Silicon Dioxide
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; C009753:fiberglass; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate