HDPE/hydroxyapatite/zeolite composite – characterization and in vitro cytotoxicity

Abstract

The HDPE/HA/zeolite (65/30/5) composite was obtained by injection molding. Hydroxyapatite (HA) was synthetized using microwave technique. FT-IR showed the presence of hydroxyl and phosphate functional groups. The structure was studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), and field  emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The  energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) revealed the  presence of O, Ca, P, C, Na, Cl, and Mg. The composite showed improved tensile strength, compressive strength and hardness compared to pure HDPE. In vitro cytotoxicity studies were conducted using L929 cells line. The tests showed 94% viability and 6% toxicity of cells.