The development of nanoparticulate materials for biodegradable bone fracture plates: (I) Online publication date: Sat, 26-Jan-2008
by Marcia E. Clark, David F. Farrar, Gavin S. Walker, Colin A. Scotchford, David M. Grant
International Journal of Nano and Biomaterials (IJNBM), Vol. 1, No. 3, 2008
Abstract: A cost effective route for the production of nanoparticulate calcium carbonate with high phase purity, a narrow particle size range and low tendency for agglomeration represents a crucial stage in the development of degradable nanocomposite materials for the manufacture of fracture fixation plates. In this study, the size, morphology and zeta potential of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitated through carbonation of an aqueous solution of calcium hydroxide were investigated experimentally. It was found that the precipitating temperature, pH and the addition of a chelating agent were most influential in producing nanoparticulate CaCO3. The smallest particles (mean of 48 nm) were produced with an initial temperature of −93°C, initial pH of 8.5 and EDTA added. This route also has the advantage of narrow particle size distributions, which together with a zeta potential greater than 30 mV means that the precipitated CaCO3 is well suited for use as a filler in a biodegradable nanocomposite as indicated above.
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