Setting Mechanism of Nano-hydroxyapatite/Chitosan Bone Cement

A n-HA/chitosan composite cement containing ZnO as the coagulant was prepared, and its physic-chemical properties and the setting mechanism were also investigated. The results showed that both the compressive strength and the corresponding setting time of the cement could meet with the demand in clinic. A chelate having the tight network structure was formed due to the reaction of Zn2+ and Ca2+ ions with amino group of chitosan, which produced a contractive force. The force extruded H2O molecules out of the cement body and made the cement set fast, and with higher compressive strength.