Synthesis and Characterization of Carbon Nanotubes Doped Hydroxyapatite Nanoceramic for Orthopedic Applications

Nano-sized bioceramic hydroxyapatite (HAp) reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNT) is synthesized using the sol–gel technique with phosphoric acid and calcium nitrate tetrahydrate as a phosphorous and calcium precursor, respectively. The ‘as synthesized’ nanocomposite powder is characterized for phase and structural analysis using X-ray diffractometry, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. The morphological analysis of HAp/CNT nanocomposite is done using field emission scanning electron microscopy. The tribological properties including wear rate and coefficient of friction are done by coating HAp and HAp/CNT nanocomposite on implant material (SS 316L) using spin coating technique. The wear is reduced by 24.57% for HAp-coated SS316L and 29.6% for HAp-5% CNT-coated SS316 substrate. The addition of CNT in HAp matrix leads to lowering of the coefficient of friction.