Mechanical and magnetic properties of biocomposites based on hydroxyapatite modified by magnetite and chitosan

Mechanical and magnetic properties of composites based on biogenic hydroxyapatite modified by magnetite (1; 5; 25 and 50 wt%) and chitosan are studied. An increase in the content of magnetite in the composite from 1 to 50 wt% leads to a slight decrease in porosity (from 45 to 38%) and to a significant increase in compressive strength and Young’s modulus (in 7 times with the addition of magnetite obtained by chemical precipitation and in 3 times with the addition of magnetite obtained by thermolysis), compared to pure hydroxyapatite. With an increase in the amount of magnetite, regardless of its type (synthesis method), the magnetic properties of composites are also improved. Taking into account the mechanical properties which are close to porous human bone and magnetic properties sufficient for hyperthermia treatment, magnetotherapy, or targeted drug delivery, the obtained biogenic hydroxyapatite–magnetite–chitosan composites are promising in biomedicine.