Department of Chemistry2024-11-1020170144-861710.1016/j.carbpol.2017.07.0542-s2.0-85026388873http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.07.054https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14288/16870Preparation and characterization of chitosan/hydroxyapatite (CS/HA) nanocomposites displaying an intercalated structure is reported. Hydroxyapatite was synthesized through sol-gel process. Formic acid was introduced as a new solvent to obtain stable dispersions of nano-sized HA particles in polymer solution. CS/HA dispersions with HA contents of 5, 10 and 20% by weight were prepared. Self-assembling of HA nanoparticles during the drying of the solvent cast films led to the formation of homogeneous CS/HA nanocomposites. Composite films were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), energy dispersive X-rays (EDX) analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-rays diffraction (XRD) analysis and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). SEM and AFM confirmed the presence of uniformly distributed HA nanoparticles on the chitosan matrix surface. XRD patterns and cross-sectional SEM images showed the formation of layered nanocomposites. Complete degradation of chitosan matrix in TGA experiments, led to the formation of nanoporous 3D scaffolds containing hydroxyapatite, p-tricalcium phosphate and calcium pyrophosphate. CS/HA composites can be considered as promising materials for bone tissue engineering applications.ChemistryApplied chemistryOrganic chemistryPolymer scienceJournal Article1879-1344411112500005Q15775