Surface modifications of glass-reinforced hydroxyapatite composites.

Surface modifications of glass-reinforced hydroxyapatite composites immersed in a simulated physiological solution were studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. In the first stages of the apatite formation process, calcium and silicon ions were leached out from the surface of the composites. After 12 days of immersion, apatite crystals were detected on the surface indicating bioactive behaviour. Sodium ions attributed to sodium sulphate were also found in the apatite layer. Bound water on the surface also increased with immersion time.