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Journal of Polymer & Composites Original Research

Synthesis and Characterization of Graphene-Based Hydroxyapatite Using Hydrothermal Method for Its Biomedical Application

  1. Santosh R. Patil Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Rajarambapu Institute of Technology, Rajaramnagar, Islampur
  2. Rajanikant M. Kurane Department of Sciences and Humanities, Rajarambapu Institute of Technology, Rajaramnagar, Islampur
  3. Suyog Sutar Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rajarambapu Institute of Technology, Rajaramnagar, Islampur

Abstract

Developing bone implant materials that combine biological compatibility with mechanical strength remains a major challenge in orthopedic research. Hydroxyapatite (HAp) closely mimics bone mineral and supports cell growth, but its brittleness limits load-bearing applications. To address this, a quaternary nanocomposite of hydroxyapatite (HAp), graphene (Gr), zirconia (ZrO2), and ferrocene (Fc) (Hap-Gr-ZrO₂-Fc) was synthesized through a one-step hydrothermal process. Graphene and zirconia provided reinforcement, while ferrocene contributed structural stability and carbon functionality. Comprehensive characterization confirmed a crystalline, multi-phase composite with strong interfacial bonding. BET analysis showed a high surface area (89.4 m² g⁻¹) and mesoporous structure (0.1537 cm³ g⁻¹), favorable for cell adhesion. Thermal analysis revealed excellent stability with 81.6 % residue at 500 °C. MTT assays on L929 fibroblast cells indicated high biocompatibility, maintaining greater than 82 % viability up to 100 µg mL⁻¹. Finite element analysis of a bone-pin model predicted a maximum von Mises stress of 9.45 MPa under a 70 kg load, lower than that of natural bone (12.42 MPa), confirming superior load distribution and durability. The HAp-Gr-ZrO₂-Fc nanocomposite integrates mechanical strength, stability, and cytocompatibility, demonstrating strong potential for next-generation load-bearing orthopedic implants.

Keywords

References (59)

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