Innovative Bioceramic Based on Hydroxyapatite with Titanium Nanoparticles as Reinforcement for Possible Medical Applications

Biomaterials have assumed a decisive role in modern medicine by enabling significant advancements in medical care practices. These materials are designed to interact with biological systems, offering substantial solutions for various medical needs. In this research, bioceramic materials consisting of a bioactive hydroxyapatite-based matrix with Ti nanoparticles were processed as promising materials. These bioceramics were obtained using mechanical milling, uniaxial pressing, and sintering as powder processing techniques. This study evaluates the effect of Ti additions on the structural, electrochemical, and mechanical properties of the hydroxyapatite ceramic material. Titanium additions were about 1, 2 and 3 wt%. The experimental results demonstrate that the biocomposite's structure has two hexagonal phases: one corresponding to the hydroxyapatite matrix and the other to the Ti as a reinforced phase. The biomaterials' microstructure is completely fine and homogeneous. The biomaterial reinforced with 1 wt. % Ti exhibits the best mechanical behavior. In this context, electrochemical tests reveal that bioceramics can achieve stability through an ion adsorption mechanism when exposed to a physiological electrolyte. Bioceramics, particularly those containing 1%Ti, develop their bioactivity through the formation of a high-density hydroxide film during a porous sealing process at potentials around -782.71 mV, with an ionic charge transfer of 0.43 x 10-9 A/cm2. Finally, this biofilm behaves as a capacitor Cc = 0.18 nF/cm2, resulting in lower ionic charge transfer resistance (Rct = 1.526 x 106 Omega-cm2) at the interface. This mechanism promotes the material's biocompatibility for bone integration as an implant material.