Characterization of silane-treated hydroxyapatite powders for use as filler in biodegradable composites

Hydroxyapatite (HA) powder was treated with different silane adhesion promoters, to optimize its performance as a filler in polymer composites. The silane coupling agents investigated possessed vinyl, methacryloxy, primary amine, secondary amine, and diamine functionality. The different coatings were evaluated with respect to their influence on ionic exchange. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed the presence of a few monolayers thin silane films on HA powder. Silane coupling agents were able to bond chemically on the HA surface because a thin coating remained after washing of the powder with water. The water stability of this bond was evaluated by successive extractions and was judged limited, especially in the case of the hydrophilic aminosilanes. Zeta-potential measurements indicated the "transparency" of the coatings for ionic transport, that was corroborated by two in vitro dissolution studies, in Gomori's Tris-maleate buffer, and in simulated body fluid. However, aminosilane coatings could delay the release of calcium and phosphate ions during the first 2 days of immersion of treated HA powder in Gomori's buffer.