Surface modification of bioceramics by PEG grafting

Surface modification of Hydroxyapatite (HAp) and β-Tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) powders was performed using hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI) as a coupling agent. Polyethylene glycol (Mw = 2000) was grafted to the surface of these ceramic materials. Different methods were used to characterize modified surfaces. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR/ATR) technique analyses confirmed the modification reaction on HAp and β-TCP surfaces. BET isotherm analysis showed the changes in textural properties of materials after modification. Elemental analysis was performed to confirm a presence of selected elements from modifier and coupling agent. Examination of dispersion stability of materials in different solvents show better stability for samples of β-TCP than HAp.