Chitosan-hydroxyapatite (CS-HA) composite powders were synthesized via in situ co-precipitation method, through the reaction of Ca(NO(3))(2) and H(3)PO(4) in the simulated body fluid (SBF) containing appropriate amount of chitosan. The thermal evolution, microstructure and morphology were studied by TG-DTA (thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis), XRD (X-ray diffraction), FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and TEM (transmission electron microscopy). The in vitro bioactivity test showed that the obtained CS-HA composites had higher capability of inducing calcium ions deposition. Effects of CS-HA composites on the bioactivity and compressive strength of bioglass bone cement were investigated. The results indicated that the bioactivity of bioglass bone cement could be improved further when CS-HA composite powders were added into the cement, and appropriate amount of CS-HA additive was favorable for compressive strength improvement of bioglass bone cement.
