Abstract
Modified cement composites were prepared by dispersing commercially available PMMA powders and chitosan/ tricalcium phosphate (TCP) or chitosan / hydroxyapatite (HA) fillers into a PMMA matrix. SEM and EDX were used to determine the compounds and the morphology of the composite. The characteristics of these materials indicate that the addition of chitosan/TCP and chitosan /HA as a constituent into the PMMA cement significantly decreases the curing peak temperature. Furthermore, the setting time increases from 4 min to 7 min, as compared to the PMMA cement. These changes could be beneficial for the handling of the bone cement paste and causing less damage to the surrounding tissues.
Keywords: PMMA; tricalcium phosphate; hydroxyapatite (HA); SEM and EDX