Preparation of hydroxyapatite–carbon nanotube composite nanopowders

Here we report a simple preparation of composite nanopowders made of hydroxyapatite (HA) and carbon nanotube (CNT). In particular, CNTs were ionically modified to dissolve homogeneously in a series of organic solvents, including tetrahydrofuran and ethanol. The addition of HA nanopowders within the CNTs solution resulted in rapid precipitation of the composite HA–CNTs nanopowders. High resolution electron image revealed individual CNTs were evenly distributed within the cluster of HA nanoparticulates. A maximal concentration of CNTs to be organized within the HA nanopowder was highly dependent on the physicochemical characteristics of HA powders. A pilot biological assessment of the composite powders demonstrated favorable adhesion and growth of tissue cells. The developed HA–CNTs composite nanopowders may be potentially useful as an initial powder source for HA-CNT nanocomposites or coatings in biomedical applications.