Dielectric studies of proton transport in air-dried fully calcified and decalcified bone.

Abstract Measurements of dielectric properties of calcified and decalcified bone were made in the electric field frequency range of 10 1 -10 5 Hz and at temperatures from 22 to 250°C. The temperature dependencies of the complex dielectric constant of bone revealed two main molecular processes. The first process corresponds to the loss of water in the temperature ranges 22–160°C and 22–210°C for calcified and decalcified bone, respectively. The second is associated with the decomposition of collagen in bone, but this occurs only for decalcified bone above 210°C. Analysis of polarization and conduction mechanisms for bone in the α-dispersion region was explained in terms of dielectric relaxation time and activation energy.