[Studies of poly(vinyl alcohol)/hydroxylapatite hydrogels compounds for cartilage implantation]

The structures and properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/hydroxylapatite(HA) composites were investigated. The components and processing conditions were studied for preparation of optimum compound hydrogels with good lubricating feature and high bioactivity. The properties, such as stretch strength, compress strength, friction, compress stress relaxation of various compound hydrogels were compared. The micro-morphology of PVA hydrogels and PVA/HA hydrogels were investigated by use of SEM. It was found that the addition of HA could improve the lubricating feature and mechanical strength of hydrogels, and its compress stress relaxation properties were closer to those of natural cartilages.