Microstrain in hydroxyapatite carbon nanotube composites

Synchrotron radiation diffraction data were collected from hydroxyapatite-carbon nanotube bioceramic composites to determine the crystallite size and to measure changes in non-uniform strain. Estimates of crystallite size and strain were determined by line-profile fitting of discrete peaks and these were compared with a Rietveld whole-pattern analysis. Overall the two analysis methods produced very similar numbers. In the commercial hydroxyapatite material, one reflection in particular, (0 2 3), has higher crystallite size and lower strain values in comparison with laboratory-synthesized material. This could indicate preferential crystal growth in the [0 2 3] direction in the commercial material. From the measured strains in the pure material and the composite, there was a degree of bonding between the matrix and strengthening fibres. However, increasing the amount of carbon nanotubes in the composite has increased the strain in the material, which is undesirable for biomedical implant applications.