Biomimetic growth of hydroxylapatite on SiO2-PMMA hybrid coatings

A PMMA-SiO2-hybrid material was produced through a modified sol-gel route by using as precursors tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), Methyl methacrylate (MMA) and 3-(Trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (TMSPM) as the coupling agent. The hybrid films were deposited by dip coating,onto 316 L stainless steel plates and then these substrates were immersed in a Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) at 5,10,15, 20 y 25 days at a constant temperature of 37 degrees C and pH = 7.4. The resulting hydroxylapatite (HAp) overgrown coatings were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. After 5 days of immersion in SBF the substrate is partially covered with HAp spherulites and after 15 days the surface is entirely and uniformly coated. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.