Preparation of a Bioactive Poly(methyl methacrylate)/Silica Nanocomposite

Abstract
The nanocomposite of a poly(methyl methacrylate)/silica containing calcium salt was synthesized through the sol–gel method. Methyl methacrylate was co‐polymerized with 3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate and then co‐condensed with tetraethyl orthosilicate and calcium nitrate tetrahydrate. Low crystalline hydroxycarbonate apatite was successfully formed on the surface after soaking in simulated body fluid for 1 week at 36.5°C. This study demonstrates that this nanocomposite may be used as a bioactive bone substitute or filler for poly(methyl methacrylate) bone cement.