|
Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bone cements are widely used in orthopaedic fixation; however, their limited mechanical strength and bioactivity restrict broader clinical applications. Reinforcement with hydroxyapatite (HA) can enhance both mechanical performance and biological integration, yet the effect of HA particle size on these improvements remains insufficiently understood. This study systematically evaluates how nanoscale and microscale HA particles influence the mechanical behaviour of PMMA-based composite bone cements. Three HA particle size ranges (60 nm, 200 nm, and 2.5 m) were incorporated into commercial PMMA cement at a constant volume fraction. Compressive strength, Young’s modulus, and surface hardness were determined under controlled conditions following ISO specifications for acrylic bone cements. The composites were further analysed using scanning electron microscopy to assess filler dispersion and interfacial bonding. Experimental results reveal pronounced particle size dependence. These findings demonstrate that HA particle size critically governs the mechanical response of PMMA/HA composites, offering design guidelines for preparing bone cement formulations toward optimized performance.
|
