Production and characterization of hydroxyapatite matrix silver and carbon nanotube reinforced biocomposites

Within the scope of this thesis, biocomposites with natural hydroxyapatite matrix, silver and carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced biocomposites were produced to produce implant materials with high biocompatibility and mechanical properties. Powders containing different reinforcement types and reinforcement amounts were ground in a ball mill and pressed in molds prepared in suitable sizes for experimental studies. In order to examine the effects of sintering temperature on the physical, mechanical and structural properties of the produced samples, sintering processes were carried out for four hours at three different sintering temperatures (1100, 1200, 1300°C). In terms of physical and mechanical properties of the produced samples, porosity, hardness, microstructure, fracture toughness, brittleness index and compression strength were examined. In order to determine the antibacterial properties of powders with different compositions, antibacterial tests were carried out against E.Coli, S.Aerus and C.Albicans microorganisms. As a result of the tests, it was seen that CNT and silver supplements contributed to the improvement of both mechanical properties and antibacterial properties. While the fracture toughness value obtained as a result of sintering of undoped hydroxyapatite samples at 1200°C was 0.85 MPa.m1/2, this value was calculated as 1.24 MPa.m1/2 and 1.51 MPa.m1/2 for samples containing 1% CNT and Ag reinforcement by weight, respectively. While more than 85% resistance was provided against bacteria in CNT reinforced samples, over 95% antibacterial resistance was provided in Ag reinforced samples