SURFACE MODIFICATIONS OF GLASS-REINFORCED HYDROXYAPATITE COMPOSITES

Surface modifications of glass-reinforced hydroxyapatite composites im mersed in a simulated physiological solution were studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy di spersive X-ray spectroscopy. In the first stages of the apatite format ion process, calcium and silicon ions were leached out from the surfac e of the composites. After 12 days of immersion, apatite crystals were detected on the surface indicating bioactive behaviour. Sodium ions a ttributed to sodium sulphate were also found in the apatite layer. Bou nd water on the surface also increased with immersion time.