Basalt fibre reinforced calcium phosphate cement with enhanced toughness

ABSTRACT

In this work, chopped basalt fibres were used as reinforcing and toughening phase to enhance the mechanical properties of calcium phosphate bone cement. The microstructure, mechanical properties, and cytocompatibility of the composite cement were evaluated thoroughly. The results revealed that the addition of fibres did not significantly change the cement setting process but markedly improved the toughness. The fracture work of cement with 1 wt% fibres was 10 times higher than that of the pure control due to pulling out of the fibres. Moreover, the flexural strength of composite cement was also promoted with a certain amount of fibres. Additionally, the composite cementscement showed no cytotoxicity to MG63 cells, and the osteoblasts could adhere and proliferate well on the cements. Therefore, basalt fibres could be potentially used as a reinforcing phase for calcium phosphate bone cement.

KEYWORDS:

• Basalt fibre
• calcium phosphate cement
• brushite
• toughness

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by Natural Science Foundation of China [grant numbers 81402225 and U1304805]; Young Backbone Teachers Project in Henan Higher Education Institution [grant number 2018GGJS050], China; Key Scientific and Technological Research Projects of Henan Province, China [grant number 182102311114] and Innovation Scientists and Technicians Troop Construction Projects of Henan Province, China.