Mineralization of surfactant functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) to prepare hydroxyapatite/MWNTs nanohybrid

Abstract Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were well dispersed in water and functionalized by adding surface active agent (i.e., sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS). Subsequently, biomimetic mineralization was carried out on the SDS functionalized MWNTs by using an alternate soaking process (ASP) in the Ca/P solutions. As-prepared samples were characterized by transmission electron microscope, infrared spectrum and X-ray diffraction. The results show that nano-HA crystals were formed on the SDS functionalized MWNTs and the mineralized MWNTs remained a dispersing state. As-prepared HA–MWNTs nanohybrid combining the osteconductive property of HA and the excellent mechanical property of MWNTs will provide a promising material for bone tissue engineering.