SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF HYDROXYAPATITE/CHITOSAN COMPOSITES

Hydroxyapatite (HAp)/chitosan (CS) composites were synthesized via a one-step co- precipitation method from aqueous solution, with the use of calcium chloride (CaCl2) and disodium hydrogen phosphate (Na2HPO4). CS was obtained via partial deacetylation of chitin with the use of strong sodium hydroxide solution. Composites were prepared with various HAp/CS ratios (30/70, 50/50, 70/30, 85/15) for comprehensive comparison of their properties. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT- IR) analysis showed that hydrogen bonds were formed between the organic matrix and the mineral compound, confirming a successful phase interconnection. X-ray diffraction patterns were obtained, enabling examination of the crystalline properties of the composites, including HAp identification. The porous structure parameters of the composites were investigated, and morphological analysis (SEM) was performed. Differential Thermal Gravimetry (DTG) analysis of the composites indicated that the material is thermally stable up to 200 o C. Additionally, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis of the mineral was carried out to check the Ca/P ratio, and confirmed its similarity to pure HAp.