The purpose of this study was to confirm the antifungal and antibacterial properties of polypropylene (PP) added with different weight ratios of hydroxyapatite (HAp). Liquid PP was prepared by applying heat to solid PP. and then, HAp was added to liquid PP. According to weight ratios of HAp, three samples were prepared by the injection molding method. The phase ratio of the sintered powder was measured by a multipurpose X-ray diffractometer (MP-XRD). The XRD result indicated that the sintered powder component was 95% Ca5(PO4)3(OH) and 3% CaO. That result was the composition of high purity HAp. ASTM G21 test was conducted to confirm the antifungal properties of the composites. All results showed the absence of fungi on the composite surfaces. Also, JIS Z 2801 test was conducted to confirm the antibacterial properties of the composites. Bacterial growth was found on the surface of the composites containing < 5% HAp. Based on these results, we can conclude that PP/HAp composites with HAp weight ratios of 5% or higher will exhibit desired antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Keywords: Polypropylene, Hydroxyapatite, Composite, Antifungal, Antibacterial