The effect of surface treatment of hydroxyapatite on the properties of a bioactive bone cement

Bioactive bone cements based on a paste–paste system for orthopaedic applications have been developed. They consist of hydroxyapatite (HA) filler particles in a methacrylate matrix comprising urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA). To improve the interface between inorganic filler and organic matrix the HA particles were subjected to two different surface treatment methods, using polyacrylic acid (PAA) and γ–methacryloxypropyltrimethoxy silane (γMPS). The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of surface treatment on the mechanical properties, namely compressive strength (CS), diametral tensile strength (DTS) and three-point flexural strength (FS) of the cements and the effect of ageing in simulated body fluid (SBF). Comparing the mechanical properties of the two cements after fabrication, the γMPS–HA cement showed higher strength values for all tests conducted (CS=185±19.6 MPa, DTS=27±2.5 MPa, FS=50.2±4.9 MPa), whereas PAA–HA containing cement had strength values around 20% lower. However, poly(acrylic acid) surface treatment was found to be more effective in improving the interface, and PAA–HA cements maintained their mechanical properties after immersion in SBF whereas γMPS–HA cement showed a reduction in strength values post ageing. From the results of this study, it is concluded that PAA treatment of the HA filler is a viable alternative to silanation with γMPS which may provide increased durability in aqueous environments.