Mechano-electrical properties of bone

Abstract Bone has been shown to exhibit ferro-electric properties. The relationship between applied electric field and polarization shows a hysteresis character typical of this type of material. This implies a domain structure for the permanent dipoles present in bone. Attempts to demonstrate semi-conductor properties were unsuccessful although a change of electrical resistance with applied tensile strain was demonstrated. No effect on conductivity of bone with change of pH of the fluid in which it was immersed was shown and hence no confirmation of streaming potential effects was obtained.