Fabrication and properties of carbon fiber-Si₃N₄ nanowires-hydroxyapatite/phenolic resin composites for biological applications

Carbon fiber-Si₃N₄ nanowires-hydroxyapatite/phenolic resin (CF–Si₃N₄nws-HA/resin) composites were successfully fabricated by the combined methods of precursor impregnation-pyrolysis (PIP) and pulse electrochemical deposition (PED). The morphology, microstructure and element compositions of Si₃N₄nws and HA were characterized. The mechanical properties, biological friction performances and in-vitro bioactivity of CF-Si₃N₄nws-HA/resin composites were investigated. The results showed that the Si₃N₄nws induced the uniform growth of HA. The tensile strength of the CF-Si₃N₄nws-HA/resin composites increased by 41.7% compared with CF-HA/resin composites. The wear rate decreased by 85.8% compared with CF-HA/resin composites. CF-Si₃N₄nws-HA/resin composites showed good in-vitro bioactivity and have potential for applications in bone graft.