In situ grown carbon nanotube-Fe3O4-dicalcium phosphate dehydrate composite coating on carbon fibres for bone tissue application

ABSTRACT In order to endow carbon fibre (CF) bioactivity, an in-situ-grown carbon nanotube-Fe3O4-dicalcium phosphate dehydrate (IC-FE-D) composite coating has been prepared on CF by a combination method of chemical vapour deposition, slurry method and electrochemical deposition. The morphology, microstructure and in-vitro bioactivity of the IC-FE-D composite coating are analysed. Results show that the ICNTs form a porous structure on CF. Fe3O4 particles are distributed on surface of ICNTs and in the gaps between ICNTs. The introduction of Fe3O4 particles could favour the nucleation of the following dicalcium phosphate dehydrate. The flake dicalcium phosphate dehydrate shows a good interaction with ICNTs and Fe3O4 particles. The IC-FE-D composite coating exhibits good biomineralisation in simulated body fluid. The IC-FE-D composite coating prepared on CF integrating both mechanical properties and biocompatibility may be an ideal candidate material for bone tissue engineering.