title: Improved mechanical properties of HIPS/hydroxyapatite composites by surface modification of hydroxyapatite via in-situ polymerization of styrene.
abstract: High impact polystyrene (HIPS)/hydroxyapatite (HA) composites are potential biomaterials for bone replacements due to their good biocompatibility and adequate mechanical properties. At the present work, the surface of the micron-sized hydroxyapatite (HA) particles was modified by in situ polymerization of styrene (St), then compounded with HIPS. The effect of the modification of HA surface on morphology and mechanical properties of HIPS/HA composites were investigated. The results showed that the HA particles does not inhibit the polymerization of St. The PS segments coated on the HA surface by in situ polymerization of St enhances the compatibility between HA and HIPS, improves the dispersion of HA particles in HIPS matrix, and enhances the interfacial adhesion between HA and matrix. Thereby, the stiffness, tensile strength and notch impact strength of HIPS/HA composites are improved at the same time. And there is a critical coating thickness of PS on the HA surface for the optimum mechanical properties of HIPS/HA composites.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Xing-Hou
authors.initials: XH
authors.lastname: Gong
authors.forename: Chak-Yin
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.forename: Hong-Chun
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.forename: Xing-Ping
authors.initials: XP
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Xiao-Lin
authors.initials: XL
authors.lastname: Xie
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D017886:Durapatite / Q000737:chemistry*; D007700:Kinetics; D008422:Materials Testing; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008956:Models, Chemical; D020959:Polyethylene / Q000737:chemistry*; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D011137:Polystyrenes / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties; D013696:Temperature; D013718:Tensile Strength; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011108:Polymers; D011137:Polystyrenes; D020959:Polyethylene; D017886:Durapatite