Hydroxyapatite modified chitin as potential hard tissue substitute material

Calcium hydroxyapatite (HA) powder was incorporated into chitin solutions to form an intimate mixture. Upon casting of this mixture into molds of fixed dimensions with subsequent removal of solvent, HAs containing chitin flexible plates were produced. The amount of (HA) was varied from 10 to 50% by mass of HA. The elastic modulus, yield stress, and elongation to fracture, measured at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/min, of these HAs containing chitin flexible plates were evaluated. The amount of HA in the HA incorporated chitin was found to not significantly change the elastic modulus or elongation to fracture. However, a decrease in the maximum tensile stress with an increase in the HA content was found.