The Properties of Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) Bone Cement Filled with Titania and Hydroxyapatite Fillers

Abstract

Commercial acrylic bone cement was modified by incorporating different filler loadings of bioactive hydroxyapatite and titania nanopowders. The effects of nanofiller loading on the mechanical and thermal properties were evaluated. The peak temperature during the polymerization of bone cement was observed to decrease with increasing filler loading. In addition, the flexural strength decreased and morphological studies of the fracture surfaces revealed an increase in porosity with the increase in filler loading. Silanation was conducted on the optimum filler loading, and the influence of silanation on the mechanical properties of bone cement was assessed.