Development and Analysis of Biomaterial Based on Calcium Sulfate Hemihydrate and Epoxy Resin

Abstract

Bone deformation and the degradation of the joint are one of the most common problems faced around the world, especially after the age of 50. Materials like Allograft and Polymethyl-Methacrylate (PMMA) are used in traditional orthotics and prosthetics, and for bone grafting/filling procedures, however, these materials can be expensive. This research proposes, the fabrication of a novel material by utilizing Calcium-Sulfate Hemihydrate (CaSO4. 1/2H2O), and epoxy resin, which can be used as a cost-effective orthotic and prosthetic material. The materials are already used as bone adhesives and bone grafts, hence, are compatible and non-toxic. The fabricated composite material possesses physical properties closest to the natural human bone and is also hydrophilic. Samples with different ratios of the constituents were fabricated and tested for their hardness, compression, and contact angle values using a Hardness tester, PASCO compression tester, and Image J software. The hardness test results indicate that sample 1 has the hardness value i.e., 29.5 ± 2.50 HV in contrast the hardness value of a human bone is found to be 33.3