Preparation and Characterization of a Polyetherketoneketone/Hydroxyapatite Hybrid for Dental Applications.

Here, we developed a new synthetic method for the production of a new class of polymeric inorganic hybrid biomaterial that has potential for dental implant applications and, in general, other orthopedic applications owing to its excellent mechanical properties and biomechanical compatibility. The new hybrid biomaterial is a composite consisting of polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) and hydroxyapatite (HA). This hybrid material boasts several unique features, including its high HA loading (up to 50 wt%), which is close to that of natural human bone; the homogeneous HA distribution in the PEKK matrix without phase separation; and the fact that the addition of HA has no effect on the molecular weight of PEKK.

Graphene oxide/chitin nanofibril composite foams as column adsorbents for aqueous pollutants.

A novel graphene oxide/chitin nanofibrils (GO-CNF) composite foam as a column adsorbent was prepared for aqueous contaminant disposal. The structures, morphologies and properties of composite foams supported by nanofibrils were characterized. As a special case, the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) on GO-CNF was investigated regarding the static adsorption and column adsorption-desorption tests.

Biodegradable poly(vinyl alcohol) foams supported by cellulose nanofibrils: processing, structure, and properties.

In order to capture savings in energy and ambitious environmental targets, biodegradable composite foams of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) supported by cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) were prepared through unidirectional freeze-drying technology. Effects of the content of CNF, the solid content of the precursor suspension, and the quenching temperature on the microstructure and properties of the composite foams were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), compressive testing, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, water uptake, and biodegradation tests. Results show that the incorporation of CNF preferably at a weight ratio of 30 wt % greatly enhanced the mechanical strength and modulus, energy absorption, water resistance, and dimensional stability of the composite foams because of the rigid and semicrystalline nature of CNF as well as regular and compact pore structures.