A direct bond between cellulose and calcium phosphate does not form under physiological conditions. In this study, NaOH was used to modify the surface of cellulose fibers in an attempt to form a template for hydroxyapatite growth. Surface modification of cellulose fibers with NaOH was used to accelerate the biomimetic formation of bone-like apatite. After surface modification, NaCl was produced on the surface of cellulose fibers that were immersed in simulated body fluid before the formation of calcium phosphate could occur. However, calcium phosphate nucleated on the surface of the NaOH-treated cellulose fibers in a simulated body fluid solution without NaCl. After calcium phosphate had nucleated on the cellulose fibers in the NaCl-free simulated body fluid, the resulting cellulose fibers were immersed in a normal simulated body fluid solution. The result was an increase in the thickness of the calcium phosphate layer on the cellulose fibers immersed in SBF, followed by the formation of hydroxyapatite on the cellulose fibers.

Keywords: Polymer; Cellulose; Hydroxyapatite; composite materials