EPOXY COMPOSITES REINFORCED WITH FISH-DERIVED HYDROXYAPATITE FOR LOAD-BEARING BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS

Abstract

The combination of epoxy resins and hydroxyapatite (HA) has emerged as a promising material system in various medical applications, particularly in the fields of tissue engineering, drug delivery, and orthopaedic implants. This synergy exploits the favourable properties of both materials, including the mechanical strength of epoxy and the bioactivity of hydroxyapatite. In this study epoxy resin was mixed with micron size of natural hydroxyapatite powder from fish scales (FsHA). The mechanical properties, chemical and biological properties of the composite was investigated by means of flexural strength, impact strength, chemical properties and biocompatibility study and morphological observation. Addition of micron size FsHA in the epoxy matrix significantly improved the impact and flexural strength of epoxy/FsHA composite. At 10% FsHA loading, flexural strength was improved about 77% and the impact strength increased about 65% as compared to neat epoxy.  Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) has confirmed the present of the FsHA in the matrix. From FTIR analysis no chemical interaction between FsHA and epoxy matrix was detected. XRD results indicated that the FsHA is in crystalline phase. The morphology analysis of the fractured surface was studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed that the homogeneous distribution of the FsHA particles in the matrix especially at 10% FsHA content. The overall results indicated that the epoxy/FsHA composite has potential for load bearing application in medical application.