Bioactivity and mechanical properties of CaSiO₃/high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites prepared by a new surface loading method of CaSiO₃ powder

CaSiO₃/high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites with flexibility and biocompatibility were prepared by a new surface loading method. CaSiO₃ powder was synthesized by coprecipitation method with heating at 1300 °C for 2 h. The obtained α-CaSiO₃ powder was sieved to 45-75 μm (sample M) and 75-150 μm (sample C). Fine powder sample (sample F) was prepared by grinding the powder being the average particle size of 2.9 μm. These powders were sprinkled on the melted HDPE sheets heated at 160, 180 and 200 °C. The amounts of sprinkled powder were only <0.1 vol.% but the ratios of surface coverage area were >50% in all the samples. Apatite formation in simulated body fluid (SBF) was observed by soaking for 5 days in sample F while within 1 day in samples M and C. The sample M retained flexible properties of HDPE together with excellent biocompatible properties.