Biological and Mechanical Properties of Nanohydroxyapatite-Containing Carbon/Carbon Composites

This paper deals with carbon/carbon composites modified with a ceramic component designed for bone tissue repairing. The composites were manufactured from pitch precursors modified with a hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanopowder. Carbon fibers were used as a reinforcement. The flexural strength and modulus of the composites before and after modification with HAp were examined. Biological properties of the composites were examined in in vitro tests. Apatite formation on ceramic nanoparticle-modified carbon composite surface was observed. Mechanical tests showed that nanohydroxyapatite-modified composite samples have good mechanical properties and perform an improved bioactivity in simulated body fluid in comparison with the pure carbon samples.