In-vitro apatite formation on phosphorylated bamboo

Natural self-reinforced composite, bamboo, was surface modified by phosphorylation with urea–H3PO4 and NaOH–H3PO4 methods; then precalcification was performed by immersing samples in saturated Ca(OH)2 solution. After that, calcium phosphate can be formed on the surface of bamboo samples in calcification media: simulated body fluid (1.5 SBF) and accelerated calcification solution (ACS). Experimental results reveal that pre-calcification is an inevitable step for the formation of calcium phosphate. The calcium phosphate formed in 1.5 SBF was identified by thin-film X-ray diffraction as apatite which was not well crystallized. Compared with the urea–H3PO4 method, the NaOH–H3PO4 method has the advantages of quicker and continuous apatite formation and stronger adhesive between apatite and bamboo.