فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

Current paper displays a complete study into the synthesis of mullite bio-ceramics using a solid state reaction method and their combination into polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) to improve mechanically matched biocomposites for bone and dental uses. Mullite samples (S1, S2, S3 and S4) were synthesized from a pure alumina and silica precursors and sintered at 1400°C. Phase evolution and microstructural characteristics were examined using X-ray diffraction and field-emission scanning electron microscopy, approving transformation into a stable orthorhombic mullite phase. Monolithic mullite presented high hardness values (up to 1388 MPa), significantly higher than those of human bone and dentin, which may induce stress shielding when used as an implant material. Four mullite:PMMA composites (C1, C1, C3 and C4) containing 10 wt.% ceramic reinforcement were synthesized. Combination of PMMA efficiently reduction of hardness to a biological range (111–150 MPa) while significantly increasing strain at failure (up to 0.15), closely to the mechanical characterization of human hard tissues. Bioactivity assessment using simulated body fluid showed the formation of hydroxyapatite on the surfaces. Depending on mechanical and biological investigations, composite C1 appeared as the suitable applicant for bone scaffold applications, while composite C2 showed more possible for dental uses.