Desenvolvimento de compósitos de PEUAPM/hidroxiapatita para aplicações como biomateriais.

Abstract

In sight of the increasing demand for Biomaterials, it is justifiable the development of a research that objectifies the mimetization of bone tissues, with the use of biocompatible materials that have mechanical and biological characteristics as similar as possible to the original tissue. With this work UHMWPE/hydroxyapatite biocomposites were produced in the ratios of 2,5; 5,0; 10 and 43 %/Vol of HAp in a UHMWPE matrix, cold mixed and processed under predefined temperature and pressure in an equipment specially developed for this research. The characterization of the composites were done using FTIR, MEV, EDX and Surface Tension measurement. The samples showed adequate macroscopic dispersion of HAp particles and effective UHMWPE plastification. The FTIR technique allowed to observe apatites characteristic bands in the region of 1000 to 1500 cm-1, related to phosphateions, with intensity proportional to the bioceramic concentration. The band relative to hydroxyl was not observed, what suggests a possible inhibition of this functional group by the UHMWPE. The MEV disclosed a not uniform distribution of the apatite grains in the UHMWPE, with accumulations throughout the plates. Through the Energy Dispersive X ray Spectroscopy it was proved the incorporation of the apatite in the PEUAPM matrix, through the detection of Ca and P atoms. It became evident the formation of three distinct regions of the bioceramic distribution in the polymer. It is distinguished the formation of a region with effective penetration of the hydroxyapatite in the polymer matrix. The Surface Tension analysis through contact angle, showed a trend of increase of the hydrophilic profile of the materials with the increase of the concentration of the apatite.