Collagen/apatite coating on 3-dimensional carbon/carbon composite

A three-dimensional carbon/carbon composite (3D C/C) was studied as potential bone-repairing material; its major mechanical properties were found to be closer to those of human bone than Other common bone-repairing Materials available. In vitro calcification tests revealed that as-received 3D C/C is almost bioinert in simulated body fluid (SBF) over an immersion period of 4 weeks. To improve the bioactivity of 3D C/C, surface modification was accomplished through two practical routes: (1) grafting with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and (2) phosphorylation and precalcification. After grafting with alpha, omega di(aminopropyl) polyethylene glycol 800 (NH2-PEG-NH2), a continuous layer of calcium phosphate was formed on the surface of 3D C/C in SBF after 4 weeks. Phosphorylated 3D C/C samples have the ability to induce apatite precipitation after precalcification in a saturated CA(OH)2 solution for 1 week. To speed up the coating process, a calcification solution with Collagen was developed in which a Collagen/apatite coating layer can be formed on 3D C/C in 9 h in ambient conditions.