Maleated High Density Polyethylene Compatibilized High Density Polyethylene/Hydroxyapatite Composites for Biomedical Applications: Properties and Characterization

The study investigated the use of maleated high density polyethylene (mHDPE) as a compatibilizer in high density polyethylene/hydroxyapatite (HDPE/HA) composites for biomedical applications. The addition of HA increased the strength and stiffness of HDPE/HA composites while the use of mHDPE in HDPE/HA composites improved its elongation at break values. The SEM images revealed that the addition of mHDPE has induced the formation of HDPE fibrils in mHDPE/HA composites. The size of apatite layer increased with simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion time and the formation of apatite layers on the surface of composites indicates excellent biocompatibility properties.