Shape memory properties of poly(D,L-lactide)/hydroxyapatite composites.

Poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLLA) and Hydroxyapatite (HA) are compounded, which possess biodegradation, biocompatibility and shape memory properties. In the paper, we prepared serial imposing shape memory composites with different shapes, composite ratios and sample thicknesses. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) were carried out to examine surface morphology, glass transition temperature (Tg), dynamic mechanical properties, and shape memory effect of PDLLA/HA composites, respectively.

Plasma-sprayed calcium phosphate particles with high bioactivity and their use in bioactive scaffolds.

Highly crystalline feedstock hydroxyapatite (HA) particles with irregular shapes were spheroidized by plasma spraying them onto the surface of ice blocks or into water. The spherical Ca-P particles thus produced contained various amounts of the amorphous phase which were controlled by the stand-off distance between the spray nozzle and the surface of ice blocks or waiter. The smooth surface morphology without cracks of spherical Ca-P particles indicated that there were very low thermal stresses in these particles.