Composites for Bone Surgery Based on Micro- and Nanocarbons

In this work capabilities of polymer composites modified with carbon materials for application in the bone surgery were compared. The composite materials were produced from synthetic polymer PTFE-PVDF-PP modified with a carbon phase such as: short carbon fibres, carbon nanotubes and carbon fabrics. Determination of mechanical properties of the composite materials indicated that the carbon phase improves strength and Young's modulus of the composite. Moreover, the mechanical parameters can be controlled by the form: and amount of the carbon phase introduced into the polymer matrix. Both the fibres and the carbon nanotubes influenced wettability and surface energy of the composites. Also topography of the materials surface was altered, and its roughness was optimal for bone cells (profilometry). Osteoblasts contacted with the polymer-carbon composites showed increased viability comparing with the ones contacting with the pure polymer foil (viability, and cells proliferation: MTT method, concentration of bone protein: viniculine and β-actine). Results of the investigations indicated that the composite materials containing carbon phases are potential materials for repairing of bone tissue damages. (authors)