Preparation and characterization of nano-hydroxyapatite/poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel biocomposite

Nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) was used to make a new hydrogel biocomposite with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) by a unique technique. Fourier transform infrared absorption spectra (IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and burning test were used to test the physical and chemical characteristics of the composite. Chemical binding between inorganic n-HA and poly(vinyl alcohol) was investigated and discussed. The results showed that the composite had good thermal stability and homogeneity. The n-HA crystals were uniformly distributed in the polymer matrix. The improved n-HA/PVA hydrogel could be used as an artificial articular cartilage, showing a promoting prospect.